Where Michigan secretary of state hopefuls stand on big election issues

October 8, 2026

Michigan voters will elect a new secretary of state in November to replace Democrat Jocelyn Benson after her eight-year tenure, with the position overseeing both elections and motor vehicle services as the state's third-highest office. Republican Anthony Forlini, the Macomb County clerk, and Democrat Garlin Gilchrist, the current lieutenant governor, are competing for the role with notably different visions, particularly regarding federal cooperation on voter information and election transparency approaches. While both candidates emphasize improving vehicle services and campaign finance systems, Forlini advocates for collaboration with federal authorities on voter roll maintenance, whereas Gilchrist firmly opposes sharing unredacted voter data with the federal government.

Who is affected

Michigan voters and residents
Jocelyn Benson (outgoing secretary of state)
Anthony Forlini (Republican candidate, Macomb County clerk)
Garlin Gilchrist (Democratic candidate, lieutenant governor)
Local clerks throughout Michigan who administer elections
Registered voters whose personal information is involved in the legal dispute
The U.S. Department of Justice
The Trump administration
Campaign finance filers and political candidates in Michigan
Customers of Secretary of State offices seeking driver's licenses and vehicle services

What action is being taken

Votebeat interviewed both candidates ahead of their debate
A debate between the candidates is being streamed live on October 8 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern
Michigan is engaged in a year-long legal battle with the U.S. Department of Justice over voter roll access
The appeals process is ongoing after district and appeals courts dismissed the DOJ's case

Why it matters

This election is significant because the secretary of state will oversee the 2028 presidential election in Michigan, a crucial swing state, and will make decisions about protecting or sharing voters' personal information with the federal government. The outcome will determine whether Michigan cooperates with federal requests for unredacted voter data or continues resisting such demands, potentially setting precedents for voter privacy protections. The position holds substantial authority as the state's top election official and third-highest office, with responsibilities extending beyond elections to include essential services like driver's licensing that affect nearly all Michigan residents. Additionally, the winner will shape campaign finance transparency, election administration practices, and the relationship between state and local election officials during a period of heightened scrutiny of electoral processes.

What's next

The debate between Forlini and Gilchrist will be streamed live on Thursday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern
Michigan voters will decide who serves as secretary of state in November's election
The legal battle with the U.S. Department of Justice could potentially reach the U.S. Supreme Court
The winning candidate's goals for the first year include addressing campaign finance violations with real-time enforcement (Gilchrist's stated priority)

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com