FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 3rd, 2026
Contact: Leah Leszczynski, lleszczynski@miaflcio.org, 989.316.6044
Gilchrist is a fighter for workers, and we’ll fight for him in 2026
LANSING, MI — Today, the Michigan AFL-CIO, the state’s largest labor federation and home to over 1 million union members and their families, endorsed Garlin Gilchrist II for Secretary of State. This endorsement underscores Gilchrist’s long history of fighting for working Michiganders.
As Lieutenant Governor, Gilchrist publicly championed Michigan’s landmark legislation repealing so-called “Right to Work” — solidifying collective bargaining rights for every working Michigander. And as Deputy Director of Innovation for the City of Detroit, Garlin launched the “Improve Detroit” app, giving city residents an easy way to flag infrastructure issues to city officials — making city government more transparent, efficient and accessible.
“Garlin is a proven fighter for workers,” said Ron BIEBER, president of the Michigan AFL‑CIO. “He’s spent his career standing up to corporate greed, fighting for transparent government and making sure every voter’s voice matters in Michigan elections. As Secretary of State, he will do what it takes to protect workers’ rights, ensure fair voting access, and hold anti‑worker forces accountable. Union members across Michigan are excited to support Garlin Gilchrist II for Secretary of State.”
An endorsement from Michigan’s labor movement means more funding, more boots on the ground, and more support from Michigan’s workers — and comes at a critical time for voters. The Trump administration is making life more unaffordable while trampling rights across the country, and people are scared. Michigan needs and deserves a fighter like Garlin Gilchrist II.
“Working Michiganders deserve a Secretary of State who will put workers first at the ballot box and beyond — and that’s exactly what I’ll do,” said Garlin Gilchrist II, candidate for Secretary of State. “I’ve seen how unions unite to create a better world, and I will never stop standing with them. My plan as Secretary of State is simple: more transparent government, more efficient services, and more help for Michigan’s working families.”
The Michigan AFL-CIO endorsement process includes a thorough vetting of each candidates’ experience, policy positions, and plan to win. Labor spent hundreds of hours interviewing applicants, reviewing detailed questionnaire responses, and carefully considering the strengths of all contenders. As a labor federation, the Michigan AFL-CIO’s endorsement decisions are determined by a democratic vote of its affiliated unions, with a supermajority needed to endorse.
The Michigan AFL-CIO encourages voters to learn more about Garlin Gilchrist II at https://garlingilchrist.com
The Michigan AFL-CIO, Michigan’s largest labor organization, is a federation representing forty different labor organizations, eighteen different central labor councils, and eight constituency groups representing over 1 million union members and their families.
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