Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II is running for governor, he announced Tuesday, setting up a Democratic primary clash that includes two prominent statewide officeholders in one of the most tightly divided states.

Garlin Gilchrist II entering the 2026 gubernatorial race. Before his career in public service, Gilchrist worked as a software engineer and it's the pitch he said he plans to make to voters during his campaign.