Michigan will pick a new top election official this year. Here’s where the candidates stand

March 7, 2026

Michigan will elect a new Secretary of State in 2026 to replace term-limited Jocelyn Benson, marking the first change in the position in eight years ahead of the crucial 2028 presidential election. Six candidates are vying for the role: Democrats Barb Byrum, Garlin Gilchrist, and Suzanna Shkreli, along with Republicans Anthony Forlini, Amanda Love, and Monica Yatooma, though Love and Yatooma did not participate in interviews. The candidates differ sharply on requiring citizenship proof for voter registration, with Republicans supporting additional verification measures and Democrats defending current safeguards while warning against making voting more difficult.

Who is affected

Michigan voters and residents who will experience changes in election administration and Secretary of State services
Current Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who cannot seek reelection
The six candidates running for Secretary of State (Barb Byrum, Garlin Gilchrist, Suzanna Shkreli, Anthony Forlini, Amanda Love, and Monica Yatooma)
Articia Bomer, who withdrew from the race
Michigan county clerks and election workers who would work under the new Secretary of State
Citizens interacting with driver's license offices and vehicle registration services

What action is being taken

Six candidates are actively running campaigns for Michigan Secretary of State
Votebeat is conducting interviews with the major-party candidates about their positions on election administration
The SAVE Act is currently being considered by the U.S. Senate, which would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote
Forlini is comparing voter rolls to jury pools to identify potential noncitizens

Why it matters

Michigan is one of the nation's largest swing states, making the Secretary of State position critical for administering the 2028 presidential election. The office oversees not only election security and administration but also manages vital state services including driver's license offices and vehicle registration that affect millions of residents daily. The candidates hold fundamentally different views on election security and voter access, with potential implications for how easily Michigan residents can register and vote, how election security measures are implemented, and whether the state will resist or cooperate with federal election interference. The outcome will determine whether Michigan continues current election practices or shifts toward requiring additional proof of citizenship and other verification measures.

What's next

Republicans will hold their endorsement convention on March 28, 2026
Democrats will hold their endorsement convention on April 19, 2026
The general election for Secretary of State will take place in November 2026
The winning candidate will take office and administer the 2028 presidential election

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com