The MHA’s Race of the Week series provides Michigan healthcare champions with the information they need to make informed decisions ahead of the 2026 General Election. The weekly series will feature background on key races, candidates and ballot proposals, alongside MI Vote Matters materials available through the MHA Election webpage.
Garlin Gilchrist II is Michigan’s lieutenant governor and the Democratic nominee for secretary of state. A software engineer by training, he previously worked at Microsoft and served as Detroit’s director of innovation and emerging technology. Since taking office in 2019, Gilchrist has led statewide efforts related to criminal justice reform, economic opportunity, broadband access and health equity, including chairing Michigan’s COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force.
Gilchrist has emphasized protecting voting rights, increasing campaign finance transparency, safeguarding personal data and modernizing licensing and vehicle registration services. For more information, visit garlingilchrist.com.
Anthony Forlini is the Macomb County clerk and the Republican nominee for secretary of state. He was elected county clerk in 2020 after serving three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and two terms as Harrison Township supervisor. Before entering public office, Forlini owned a financial services business and worked as a certified financial planner. As clerk, he has overseen elections, court records and vital records in one of Michigan’s largest counties.
Forlini has emphasized election security, transparency and customer service, including reducing wait times and improving access to Secretary of State services. He has also called for stronger voter-roll maintenance, additional election-worker training and more consistent oversight of county clerks. For more information, visit forliniforus.com.
The Secretary of State plays an important role in administering elections, safeguarding public records and managing government services. Though not directly responsible for healthcare policy, the Secretary of State works to modernize administrative services and protect personal data which affects Michigan patients, providers and healthcare organizations statewide. This individual is also responsible for helping ensure citizens can participate in the democratic process that shapes healthcare policies and priorities.
Members with questions regarding the Race of the Week series or MI Vote Matters campaign may visit the MHA Election webpage or contact the MHA communications department.
Phone: (517) 703-8601
Fax: (517) 703-0628
