Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II

Garlin Gilchrist II is a Democratic politician serving as the 64th Lieutenant Governor of Michigan since January 2019, with no specific legislative district as this is a statewide executive position. He was elected alongside Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, becoming the first African American to hold the office. Notable achievements include leading task forces on justice reform and COVID-19 racial disparities, expanding broadband access, and chairing the National Lieutenant Governors Association; as of 2026, he is running for Michigan Secretary of State after withdrawing from the gubernatorial race.

Garlin Gilchrist II was born on September 25, 1982, in Detroit, Michigan. He has served as Lieutenant Governor since taking office on January 1, 2019, acting as president of the Michigan Senate and casting tie-breaking votes when needed. A software engineer turned politician, he has focused on issues like criminal justice reform, affordable housing, health care equity, economic opportunity, and entrepreneurship. He led statewide efforts connecting over 27,000 homes to high-speed internet and chaired Michigan's COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force. In 2025, he announced a run for governor but withdrew in January 2026 to pursue the Secretary of State position. He is married to Ellen Gilchrist and has three children.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Farmington High School; earned Bachelor of Science degrees in computer engineering and computer science and engineering with honors from the University of Michigan College of Engineering in 2005.
• Early Career: Worked as a software engineer, social entrepreneur, community organizer, and in Detroit local government to improve transparency and accountability.
• Political Experience: Elected Lieutenant Governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 on the Whitmer ticket; recognized as a Community Change Champion in 2019 for social and racial justice work; led "Thriving Cities" tours and bipartisan justice reform initiatives; chaired the National Lieutenant Governors Association.