Garlin Gilchrist at Jam Handy in New Center announcing his gubernatorial campaign.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist announced Tuesday his campaign for governor is being endorsed by 11 state lawmakers, most coming from the Michigan House of Representatives.
Michigan gubernatorial candidates are actively battling for endorsements from state lawmakers. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is also running for governor as a Democrat, already has 17 endorsements from legislators from across the state.
Lawmakers endorsing Gilchrist include, Reps. Brenda Carter, D-Pontiac, Kimberly Edwards, D-Eastpointe, Morgan Foreman, D-Pittsfield Township, Peter Herzberg, D-Westland, Donavan McKinney, D-Detroit, Cynthia Neeley, D-Flint, Amos O’Neal, D-Saginaw, Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia and Mai Xiong, D-Warren.
State Sen. Veronica Klinefelt, D-Eastpointe and Sen. Paul Wojno, D-Warren, were also among the names included in the endorsement announcement.
“These legislators have spent their careers fighting for their communities, and I’m honored to have their support. I’ve worked alongside many of them to deliver for working families, and I’m running for Governor to keep building on that progress,” Gilchrist said in a statement. “Together, we’re going to make sure that everyone in Michigan, no matter their zip code, can get ahead and find opportunity here at home.”
Gilchrist would be the first Black person ever nominated by statewide voters as the Democratic nominee for governor. He would become the first Black governor in Michigan’s history if elected.
Xiong told Michigan Chronicle Tuesday that she’s had the opportunity to work with Gilchrist and is proud to endorse him for governor.
“This wasn’t an easy decision — we are fortunate to have strong Democratic leaders in our state, including Secretary Benson, who has been a national voice for protecting democracy,” Xiong said. “At the end of the day, I believe Garlin is the right person to move Michigan forward.”
Xiong added that her hope is for Democrats to unite behind their nominee after the primary.
Keith Williams, chair of the Michigan Black Democratic Party Black Caucus, announced Wednesday the group is endorsing Gilchrist.
“Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist is the clear choice for Black Michiganders — there is no other candidates who has served Michigan with the same honor, vision and dignity as Gilchrist,” Williams said.
All of the lawmakers endorsing Gilchrist thus far are from Metro Detroit or Flint. Benson has support from lawmakers in Metro Detroit, West Michigan and Traverse City.
Benson announced in January her campaign is endorsed by a number of lawmakers, including Reps Phil Skaggs, D-Grand Rapids, Joey Andrews, D-Saint Joseph, Jimmie Wilson, D-Ypsilanti, Carrie Rhenigans, D-Ann Arbor, Julie Brixie, D-Lansing, Betsey Coffia, D-Traverse City, Dylan Wegela, D-Garden City, Jennifer Conlin, D-Ann Arbor, Jason Morgan, D-Ann Arbor, Kelly Breen, D-Novi, Penelope Tsernoglou, D-Lansing, Natalie Price, D-Berkley, Denise Mentzer, D-Mt. Clemens and Tonya Meyers, D-Detroit.
Sen. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo is also endorsing Benson.
The other Democrat running to earn the party’s nomination next August is Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.
Republicans who have entered the race include Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, former Attorney General Mike Cox of Livonia, U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, former House Speaker Tom Leonard of DeWitt Township and former congressional candidate Anthony Hudson of Grand Blanc Township.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent.
James would become the second Black man to win the nomination for governor as a Republican. Former Wayne County Executive Bill Lucas changed parties and earned the Republican Party’s support in 1986. His challenge of Gov. Jim Blanchard, a Democrat, was unsuccessful.
Editor’s note: This story originally published on July 8 has been updated to include an endorsement from the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus.
About Post Author
