Rep. Rashida Tlaib Endorses Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for Michigan Governor, Praising His Support for Working People
In a significant endorsement, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib has thrown her support behind Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II in his bid to become Michigan's next governor. Tlaib, a prominent progressive voice in Congress, praised Gilchrist's record on working people, labor unions, and his commitment to reforming the state's criminal justice system.
In a video message posted on social media, Tlaib expressed her trust in Gilchrist, citing his lived experience as a father and his willingness to stand up for marginalized communities. She highlighted Gilchrist's support for the Clean Slate Program, which allows residents with past convictions to have their records automatically cleared after a set number of years.
"This is about fighting for families and those who are too often left behind," Tlaib said. "I trust Garlin because he knows what it means to be on the picket line and to stand up for people who need a second chance."
Gilchrist's endorsement is likely to boost his campaign among progressives and voters who support expanding economic opportunity and reforming the criminal justice system. His outspoken criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza has also drawn attention from Arab American voters, a key bloc in next year's Democratic primary.
As the only Palestinian American in Congress, Tlaib's endorsement is significant for her own community and others who may be impacted by Gilchrist's policies. "I know again many of you feel very strongly that we need a fighter," she said. "I know Garlin is going to fight for us, and that's why I'm proud to support him for governor of the state of Michigan."
The Democratic primary for governor will take place in 2026, with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, and former Cape Coral, Florida Mayor Marni Sawicki also vying for the seat.
In a significant endorsement, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib has thrown her support behind Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II in his bid to become Michigan's next governor. Tlaib, a prominent progressive voice in Congress, praised Gilchrist's record on working people, labor unions, and his commitment to reforming the state's criminal justice system.
In a video message posted on social media, Tlaib expressed her trust in Gilchrist, citing his lived experience as a father and his willingness to stand up for marginalized communities. She highlighted Gilchrist's support for the Clean Slate Program, which allows residents with past convictions to have their records automatically cleared after a set number of years.
"This is about fighting for families and those who are too often left behind," Tlaib said. "I trust Garlin because he knows what it means to be on the picket line and to stand up for people who need a second chance."
Gilchrist's endorsement is likely to boost his campaign among progressives and voters who support expanding economic opportunity and reforming the criminal justice system. His outspoken criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza has also drawn attention from Arab American voters, a key bloc in next year's Democratic primary.
As the only Palestinian American in Congress, Tlaib's endorsement is significant for her own community and others who may be impacted by Gilchrist's policies. "I know again many of you feel very strongly that we need a fighter," she said. "I know Garlin is going to fight for us, and that's why I'm proud to support him for governor of the state of Michigan."
The Democratic primary for governor will take place in 2026, with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, and former Cape Coral, Florida Mayor Marni Sawicki also vying for the seat.