“As an engineer, we always know that there’s a solution, we just have to find it and understand it,” Gilchrist said of his leadership style and what he would bring to the position. Gilchrist has had an unusual path to government; he was a Microsoft software engineer before becoming a high-tech community and political organizer and being tapped as Whitmer’s running mate in the 2018 governor’s race. He sees his engineering background as a great strength.

I’m running for Governor. As an engineer, I solve problems and deliver results—that’s what we’ve done for six years.

Now, we face new challenges. We need bold leadership to protect our rights & build health & wealth for every Michigander.

I’m all in. Let’s #StandTall for… pic.twitter.com/pfbgT1X9M5

— Garlin Gilchrist (@garlin) March 11, 2025

Gilchrist said, “In these times, we need leadership that is not only comfortable with technology but that understands that we can make it work for us rather than being victimized by it, especially from those who try to weaponize it.”

He mentioned housing, healthcare and economic opportunities are three issues that would be the main focus of his administration. Based on his efforts talking to citizens across each of Michigan’s 83 counties, Gilchrist cites housing as the No. 1 concern, “both needing more affordable housing but also needing more people in a position to afford a home.” He cited programs under his and Whitmer’s administration that have “brought online 60,000 new housing units since taking office” with a plan to create 140,000 more. He also noted “healthcare, particularly access to mental health services,” where Michigan had made gains in recent years that he looks to expand upon. Finally, Gilchrist wants to expand economic opportunities, expanding upon the $60 million Michigan Innovation Fund for growing businesses and the $10 million Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund he helped launch for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Having initially left the state to pursue his software engineer career, Gilchrist intends to make Michigan a place where students and young people stay or come for economic opportunities.

Garlin-Gilchrist

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