MI-SOS, MI-AG: Gilchrist (D), McDonald (D) nab endorsement from one of Michigan's largest unions in respective bids
The AFL-CIO, which hails its Michigan branch as one of the mightiest state labor federations with more than 1 million members and associates, is endorsing Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist in his hunt for the secretary of state’s office and Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald in her bid for attorney general.
Gilchrist, who just joined the Democratic nomination battle for the seat, earned the endorsement on Tuesday. The union said in a statement that Gilchrist championed the repeal of Right to Work laws, which helped solidify collective bargaining rights for working people after Republicans created a statutory scheme that stymied union membership.
AFL-CIO leaders also noted that Gilchrist, as the former deputy director of innovation with the city of Detroit, helped launch the “Improve Detroit” app, which gave city residents a way to flag infrastructure issues. That app, the union said, made city government more transparent, efficient and accessible.
“Garlin is a proven fighter for workers,” said Ron Bieber, president of the Michigan AFL‐CIO, in a statement “He’s spent his career standing up to corporate greed, fighting for transparent government and making sure every voter’s voice matters in Michigan elections. As Secretary of State, he will do what it takes to protect workers’ rights, ensure fair voting access, and hold anti‐worker forces accountable. Union members across Michigan are excited to support Garlin Gilchrist II for Secretary of State.”
https://michiganadvance.com/2026/02/03/gilchrist-mcdonald-nab-endorsement-from-one-of-michigans-largest-unions-in-respective-bids/