Garlin Gilchrist II entering the 2026 gubernatorial race. Before his career in public service, Gilchrist worked as a software engineer and it's the pitch he said he plans to make to voters during his campaign.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist announced his candidacy for governor on Tuesday. Gilchrist, a Democrat, is serving his second term alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is in her final term as the state’s leader.

Gilchrist is now one of six running for Michigan’s top office. State House minority leader Eric Nesbit and Genesis County Republican Anthony Hudson of Grand Blanc are running on the Republican side. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent.