(LANSING) - Garlin Gilchrist II, a Democrat from Detroit and Michigan's first Black Lieutenant Governor, announced on Tuesday he's jumping into the crowded 2026 race for Governor.

A software engineer by trade, Gilchrist vaulted from relative political obscurity in 2018 to run alongside Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and his profile has been bolstered over the past six years by working closely with one of the nation’s most high-profile Democrats.

As Governor, Gilchrist says he’ll focus on expanding affordable housing and improving access to health care, particularly mental health services.

He recognized that voters sent President Donald Trump back to the White House in part because of frustration with a “status quo that wasn’t serving them.”

Still, Gilchrist will have to balance that narrative with his role near the top of the Democratic Party, which held full control of state government from 2022 to 2024.

Gilchrist is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. His hometown Detroit is the state’s largest Democratic stronghold and nearly 80% Black, bolstering his appeal. If elected, Gilchrist would be the first Black governor of Michigan. However, before joining Whitmer on the Democratic ticket, he ran for Detroit City Clerk in 2017 and narrowly lost to incumbent Janice Winfrey.

Lieutenant Governors also don't have a good track record in Michigan when trying to ascend to the Governor's office, with the most recent example being Republican Brian Calley, who was trounced in the Republican Party's primary in 2018.

Gilchrist joins Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the 2026 Democratic primary. Whitmer has said she won't endorse any candidate.