Hollier Drops Secretary of State Bid to Launch Eastside State Senate Campaign

February 3, 2026

Former Michigan State Senator Adam Hollier has withdrawn from the Democratic primary for Secretary of State to instead pursue a seat in the 3rd state Senate district, which encompasses Detroit's Eastside, Highland Park, and parts of Oakland County. Hollier, who previously exited a congressional race to run for Secretary of State, claims he brings the most experience and resources to the state Senate contest. He will face Democratic opponents John Conyers III and Eboni Taylor, who has secured an endorsement from current seat-holder Senator Stephanie Chang.

Who is affected

Adam Hollier (former state senator changing races)
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist (remaining Secretary of State candidate)
Barb Byrum and Suzanna Shkreli (other Secretary of State candidates)
John Conyers III and Eboni Taylor (Hollier's opponents in state Senate race)
State Sen. Stephanie Chang (current seat holder)
Voters in Michigan's 3rd state Senate district (Detroit's Eastside, Highland Park, Oakland County)
Democratic Party delegates (who will select the Secretary of State nominee)
Detroit's Black establishment
Aghogho Edevbie (former Secretary of State candidate who previously dropped out)

What action is being taken

Adam Hollier is running for the 3rd state Senate district seat
Garlin Gilchrist, Barb Byrum, and Suzanna Shkreli are running for the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State
John Conyers III and Eboni Taylor are running as Democratic candidates in the 3rd state Senate district
The story is currently being updated

Why it matters

This matters because it reshapes both the Secretary of State race and a competitive state Senate district contest in Michigan. The Secretary of State position is particularly significant as it oversees election administration during a time when Hollier referenced concerns about election integrity and voting access under the Trump administration. The redistricting of the state Senate maps for 2026 elections has created new political dynamics in the 3rd district, making this race important for Democratic representation in areas covering Detroit's Eastside and surrounding communities.

What's next

Eboni Taylor is expected to launch her campaign at an event Wednesday at the Secret Garden Gallery.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle