Michigan Dems back Garlin Gilchrist and Eli Savit, oust U-M’s Jordan Acker

April 20, 2026

Thousands of Michigan Democratic Party delegates gathered at a Detroit convention center over the weekend, endorsing Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state and Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit for attorney general in November's general election. The convention, which drew over 7,200 delegates in record attendance, was marked by significant chaos including credentialing errors that delayed voting for hours and loud booing from progressive activists during various speeches. A particularly contentious race saw Amir Makled defeat incumbent Jordan Acker for the University of Michigan Board of Regents endorsement, with the contest becoming a battleground over the university's handling of pro-Palestinian protests.

Who is affected

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist (endorsed for secretary of state)
Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit (endorsed for attorney general)
Amir Makled (endorsed for U-M Board of Regents)
Jordan Acker (incumbent regent who lost endorsement)
Karen McDonald (Oakland County Prosecutor who lost to Savit)
Over 7,200 Democratic Party delegates who attended
Pro-Palestinian student activists and protesters at University of Michigan
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (booed during her Senate campaign speech)
Abdul El-Sayed (progressive Senate candidate favored by vocal activists)
Republican opponents: Anthony Forlini and Doug Lloyd
Michigan voters in the November general election

What action is being taken

Michigan Democratic delegates are voting to endorse candidates for state offices at the convention
Delegate credentialing is being corrected after errors delayed voting
Party Chair Curtis Hertel is working to ensure registered delegates can vote
Progressive activists are booing during speeches at the convention
Winning candidates are pushing for party unity after the votes
Republican opponents are circulating social media videos showing the discord at the Democratic convention

Why it matters

This convention matters because it determines which Democratic candidates will appear on Michigan's November ballot for critical state offices including attorney general and secretary of state, positions that oversee elections and law enforcement. The significant internal divisions on display—particularly around issues related to the Israel-Hamas war, progressive versus establishment politics, and the chaotic organizational problems—reveal deep fractures within Michigan's Democratic Party at a time when the state is considered a crucial battleground. The discord also provides political ammunition to Republicans and raises questions about party unity heading into a competitive election cycle, while the close U.S. Senate primary is seen as a potential litmus test for the national Democratic Party's direction.

What's next

Gilchrist will face Republican Anthony Forlini in the November general election for secretary of state
Savit will face Republican Doug Lloyd in the November general election for attorney general
State Rep. Noah Arbit will be introducing legislation to change the nomination process from conventions to partisan primaries
Endorsed candidates will campaign for the fall elections with a focus on party unity

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com