Michigan Will Elect New Secretary of State This November

The race features Republican Anthony Forlini, Democrat Garlin Gilchrist II, and three third-party candidates.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Elections

Michigan Will Elect New Secretary of State This November

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Are you planning to vote in the upcoming Michigan secretary of state election?

Michigan voters will head to the polls in November 2026 to choose a new secretary of state. The election follows the departure of current Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is vacating the seat due to term limits.

Why it matters

The secretary of state acts as Michigan's chief election officer and motor vehicle administrator, while also serving on the State Administrative Board. The position holds the authority to assume the governorship if both the governor and lieutenant governor are absent.

The Michigan secretary of state is restricted to a two-term limit, necessitating the current open-seat race. Candidates include Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, and three third-party nominees.

The players

Anthony Forlini

He currently serves as the clerk of Macomb County and previously represented the 24th District in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Garlin Gilchrist II

He is the current lieutenant governor of Michigan and has a professional background involving work in Detroit.

Jocelyn Benson

She is the current secretary of state of Michigan and is leaving office due to the state's established term limits.

The details

Candidates in the race include Republican Anthony Forlini, the current clerk of Macomb County, and Democrat Garlin Gilchrist II, the state's lieutenant governor. They face challenges from U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate Scott Aughney, Green Party candidate Eric Borregard, and Libertarian candidate Christine Sloan.

The Michigan secretary of state election occurs in November 2026.

Political Context

The transition for the secretary of state's office is directly mandated by Michigan's two-term limit for constitutional offices. This statutory constraint regularly necessitates competitive open-seat races for high-level state executive positions.

The new secretary of state will directly manage the state's motor vehicle administration and oversee the integrity of Michigan's election processes. Voters should be aware that this official also holds a seat on the State Administrative Board, which influences state policy.

The takeaway

Voters should review the administrative platforms of the candidates to understand their priorities for managing state vehicle services and election logistics. Understanding the office's succession role is essential given its constitutional position in the state executive branch.