Garlin Gilchrist Hosts Rep. Jasmine Crockett in Detroit

November 17, 2025

Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett traveled to Detroit to headline a fundraiser for Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist's gubernatorial campaign, generating significant social media attention with a viral video. Gilchrist is positioning himself as a progressive alternative to the Democratic establishment in a three-way primary race against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Benson currently leads the fundraising race with over $4.

Who is affected

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist (gubernatorial candidate)
U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett (fundraiser guest)
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (Democratic opponent)
Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson (Democratic opponent)
Michigan voters and working people
Progressive voters upset with Democratic establishment
Attorney General Dana Nessel (who criticized Gilchrist's comments)
U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (endorser)
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan (independent candidate)
Term-limited Governor Gretchen Whitmer (being replaced)

What action is being taken

Gilchrist is holding fundraisers and campaigning for the gubernatorial race
Gilchrist is pitching his campaign specifically to progressive voters
All three Democratic candidates are actively fundraising for the primary
Gilchrist is refusing to accept money from corporate PACs
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is raising funds as an independent candidate

Why it matters

This race will determine Michigan's next governor, potentially making Gilchrist the state's first Black governor. The Democratic primary reveals significant ideological divisions within the party between establishment figures and progressive candidates. The fundraising disparities between candidates—with Benson having raised over $4.5 million compared to Gilchrist's much smaller totals—could significantly impact voter exposure and campaign viability heading into the 2026 primary. Gilchrist's progressive positioning and rejection of corporate money represents a broader debate about Democratic Party direction and responsiveness to working-class concerns versus traditional establishment politics.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle