Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum announces run for Michigan secretary of state

Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum introduced a run for State Secretary in 2026.

“Because the clerk of Ingham County, I’ve been a fierce defender of what’s good, my whole 18-year profession in public service and I take my ardour for secure, secure and accessible elections to the following degree,” ” Byrum said Wednesday 21 May.

Byrum, a Democrat, was first chosen as clerk of Ingham County-the eighth largest county of Michigan-in 2012 after serving Michigan’s home for six years.

Byrum is the second candidate to announce an try to interchange Jocelyn Benson Minister of Overseas Affairs, a democrat that’s restricted and can’t request a re -election in 2026.

Deputy State Secretary Aghogho Edevbie introduced earlier this yr that he was a democrat for State Secretary. No main Republican candidates have introduced a run.

“Now greater than ever, we’d like a State Secretary who has the expertise wanted to run the bottom,” stated Byrum. “As a former proprietor of small firms, I do know that providing an incredible and hassle -free expertise of shoppers is essential to achieve success.

“As a County Clerk I’ve modernized our buyer expertise and I’ll proceed to construct on latest enhancements at branches, in order that transactions with the State Secretary are versatile and simple.”

Byrum stated her candidacy is coming at a time when American democracy is being attacked.

“It is not only a cliché. There are literally individuals who wish to make it more durable for our seniors, college students and armed forces to vote,” she stated. “I’ve been a fierce defender of secure, secure and accessible elections all my profession. And I’m able to take that struggle to the next degree. That is why I’m operating.”

All three performing workplaces of the state will likely be for the taking and with out a sitting protection of the seat in 2026. Democrats Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Legal professional Normal Dana Nessel are, akin to Benson, restricted and might not run.

Seven folks thus far, together with Benson, have introduced a run for governorship.

Democratic candidates embody Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan, an outdated Democrat, runs as impartial.

For the Republicans, former Legal professional Normal Mike Cox, American Rep. John James and Senate minority chief Aric Nesbitt every introduced a run.