On March 11, Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II launched his campaign for Governor of Michigan.
Gilchrist II has leveraged his engineering, entrepreneurial, and public service background to improve local and state government services for Michigan citizens and families.
He earned two engineering degrees from the University of Michigan, worked as a software engineer at Microsoft, and founded two successful companies. His public service efforts aim to benefit Michigan residents. He is also a husband to Ellen and father to their three young children who attend public schools.
In a video campaign announcement, Gilchrist shared some of his vision for leading the state.
“I was born in Detroit, raised on a love of Pistons basketball, Pontiacs, and honestly, computers,” Gilchrist said. “After earning two engineering degrees at Michigan, I became a software engineer at Microsoft. Then I came home to Detroit and used technology to make government work better because I know that improving the way systems work improves people’s lives. That’s why I became an engineer. It’s why I went into public service. And that’s why I’m running for Governor of the State of Michigan. As your Lieutenant Governor, I’ve worked with Governor Whitmer to solve problems for Michiganders.
“I saw too many families who couldn’t afford housing, so I pushed funding into a housing trust fund resulting in 50,000 new homes in the last two years,” he said. “I saw a criminal justice system holding people back, so I started the Clean Slate program to help those who’ve paid their debts get back on their feet. I saw tech startups leaving, so I launched the Michigan Innovation Fund and turned our state into the No. 1 startup ecosystem in the nation. We’ve made a lot of progress these past 6 years, but there is so much more to do. As a dad with three kids in public schools, I’m committed to building an economy where every family has what they need to succeed so our children can follow their dreams right here in Michigan. My goal for Michigan is that we lead the nation in innovation and creating jobs of the future for everyone.”
Garlin, a former aide to Governor Whitmer, is running for Governor to continue the progress of the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration. He has a history of leadership in Michigan, focusing on education, affordable housing, healthcare and creating modern jobs. Growing up in Detroit, Garlin said he understands the challenges faced by communities across Michigan and the Midwest.
Prior to serving as Lieutenant Governor, Gilchrist also gained experience as the City of Detroit’s Director of Innovation, where he created the Improve Detroit smartphone app that allows residents to report issues for the city to address like running water, potholes, damaged street signs, and other issues.
“As governor, I’ll protect our rights and stand up for the families, workers, and businesses that keep our economy strong,” Gilchrist said in the announcement video. “Real leaders find solutions that improve the lives of the people they serve instead of just looking out for themselves. So let’s make the dream of health and wealth a reality for every Michigander. Let’s stand tall for Michigan.”
Garlin is the highest ranking Black elected official in Michigan history. He lives in Detroit with his wife, Ellen, where they are raising their twins, Emily and Garlin III, and daughter, Ruby.
To learn more about Gilchrist and his priorities, visit www.GarlinGilchrist.com.