Garlin Gilchrist II (D), Anthony Forlini (R), and three other candidates are running in the general election for Michigan Secretary of State on November 3, 2026.

Incumbent Jocelyn Benson (D) is running for governor. Benson was re-elected 55.9%–41.9% in 2022. That year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) was re-elected 54.5%–43.9%. In 2024, President Donald Trump (R) defeated Kamala Harris (D) 49.7%–48.3% in the presidential election in Michigan and Elissa Slotkin (D) won the U.S. Senate election 48.6%–48.3%.

Gilchrist was first elected lieutenant governor on a joint ticket with Whitmer in 2018. He earlier worked as a software engineer with Microsoft and as a community organizer. Gilchrist's campaign website says, "Unlike typical politicians, Garlin refuses to take any corporate PAC money because for far too long dark money and corporate interests have undue influence in our elections. As a software developer himself, he knows how to stand tall Big Tech companies that try to abuse Michigander’s personal information and modernize systems for licensing and registration to work better and smarter."

Forlini was elected Macomb County Clerk in 2020. He served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011 to 2016 and as Harrison Township Supervisor from 2004 to 2011. Forlini's campaign website says, "​Michigan residents shouldn’t have to fight long waits, confusing systems, or unanswered calls to do basic tasks. Anthony’s focus is simple: make the office easier to use, harder to exploit, and more accountable to the public. ​The Secretary of State is one of the most important trust offices in Michigan. It oversees elections and impacts daily life for families, seniors, and businesses. Anthony is running to bring clear standards, strong leadership, and transparent systems, so Michigan residents can trust the process and get things done without frustration."

This election, along with the elections for governor and attorney general, will determine Michigan's triplex status. Michigan currently has a Democratic triplex because the governor, attorney general, and secretary of state are all Democrats. If Democrats win all three elections, they will maintain their triplex. If Republicans win all three elections, they will gain a triplex. A mixed outcome would result in neither party having a triplex.

The Michigan Secretary of State is responsible for managing the state's elections and motor vehicle registrations as well as maintaining state government records and certifying official documents. This is one of 26 secretary of state elections taking place this year. Thirty-five of 50 states hold elections for secretary of state.

Minor party, independent, and write-in candidates include Eric Borregard (G), Christine Sloan (L), and Scott Aughney (U.S. Taxpayers Party).