As an engineer, entrepreneur, public servant, and dad, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II is a problem solver. Garlin received two engineering degrees from the University of Michigan, was a software engineer at Microsoft, and launched two successful companies. As a public servant, he has put that training to work to change the way local and state government serve Michigan citizens and families. His most important job is as husband to Ellen and father to their three young children who attend public schools.
Working alongside Governor Whitmer, Garlin has a proven track record of leading and delivering for Michigan. He played a leading role in delivering free pre-k for all, increasing small business success and diversifying the state economy, protecting abortion access, bringing more high-quality jobs to Michigan, reforming our justice system to create opportunity and keep communities safe, and connecting tens of thousands of Michiganders to reliable, affordable and fast internet. Garlin is committed to building a Michigan where every person can reach their full potential.
Now, Garlin is running for Governor to build on the progress of the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration by bringing bold new ideas to help Michiganders thrive. Unlike Elon Musk and Donald Trump, Garlin knows how to use technology and innovation to help our communities reach their full potential, including investing in education, lowering the cost of housing and healthcare, and bringing more 21st-century jobs to our state.
Growing up in Detroit, Garlin knows what it feels like to be part of communities across Michigan, the Midwest, and country that have been forgotten. He also knows how to win in Michigan. Governor Whitmer chose Garlin as her running mate in 2018, and they have won statewide twice by speaking to, connecting with, and delivering for Michigan families, entrepreneurs and communities.
Prior to serving as Lieutenant Governor, Garlin worked at Microsoft as a software engineer that helped build SharePoint into the fastest growing product in the company’s history. As the City of Detroit’s Director of Innovation, he created the Improve Detroit smartphone app that allows residents to report issues for the city to address like running water, potholes, damaged street signs, and other issues.
Garlin is the highest ranking Black elected official in Michigan history. He lives in Detroit with his wife, Ellen, where they are raising their twins, Emily and Garlin III, and daughter, Ruby.