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Get to know the candidates to be the next Michigan Secretary of State!
On November 4th, 2026, Michiganders will vote for the next Republican or Democratic Secretary of State. The current Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, has served for 8 years and is term-limited. It's time, yet again, for a fresh perspective!
This article summarizes what’s publicly known so far about the candidates in the race, based on information available from official filings, news reports, and candidate communications. It will be updated as new information becomes available.
Bookmark this page for reference throughout the campaign and follow the candidates on social media. We will be tracking articles about the candidates and will share them with you here.
Table of Contents
About This Article: Last update: 2025-10-16. While we do our best to be thorough and accurate, we might miss something—so always double-check official sources when possible. Michigan Women is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, and our goal is simply to make civic information easier to find and understand.
How Michigan Picks Party Nominees for Secretary of State
Democratic Candidates
- Adam Hollier, Army Reserves, Former MI State Senator
- Barb Byrum, Ingham County Clerk
- Aghogho Edevbie, MI Deputy Secretary of State
Republican Candidates
- Anthony Forlini, Macomb County Clerk
- Monica Yatooma, GEIA, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships
- Amanda Love, [Can't find where she works]
- Timothy Smith, Gentex (not sure what position)
How Michigan Picks Party Nominees for Secretary of State
Michigan doesn’t hold public primaries for most statewide offices—including Secretary of State, Attorney General, Michigan Supreme Court, and state university boards. Instead, each political party selects its nominees at conventions, where credentialed delegates decide who appears on the November general election ballot.
Read, How Michigan Chooses Nominees for Statewide Offices, to learn how the process works, how early endorsements have shifted the political calendar, and how you can participate in shaping who makes it to the general election.
Democratic Candidates
Adam Hollier (D)
- Website: https://adamhollier.com/
- Current Job: Army Reserves, Former MI State Senator
- Job Title: Team Chief and Paratrooper. 412th Civil Affairs Battalion
- Age: 40
- Date of Birth: 09/26/1985
- City: Detroit
- County: Wayne
- Articles
Barb Byrum (D)
- Website: https://barbbyrum.com/
- Current Job: Ingham County
- Job Title: Clerk
- Age: 47
- Date of Birth: 11/10/1977
- City: [Not sure]
- County: Ingham
- Articles
Aghogho Edevbie (D)
- Website: https://aghogho.com/
- Current Job: State of Michigan
- Job Title: Deputy Secretary of State
- Age: 38
- Date of Birth: 07/27/1987
- City: Detroit
- County: Wayne
- Articles
Republican Candidates
Anthony Forlini (R)
- Website: https://forliniforus.com/
- Current job: Macomb County
- Job Title: Clerk
- Age: 63
- Date of Birth: 02/04/1962
- City: [Not sure]
- County: Macomb
- Articles
Monica Yatooma (R)
- Website: https://monicaformichigan.com/
- Current Job: GEIA
- Job Title: Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships
- Age: 38
- Date of Birth: 1987
- City: Commerce Township
- County: Oakland
- Articles
Amanda Love (R)
- Website: https://www.loveformi.net/
- Current Job: [Can't find]
- Job Title: [Can't Find]
- Age: -
- Date of Birth: -
- City: Independence Township
- County: Oakland
Timothy Smith (R)
- Website:
https://smith4secretary.com/ - Current Job: Gentex
- Job Title: [Can't find]
- Age: -
- Date of Birth: -
- City: -
- County: Muskegon
Content Disclaimer: Our team researches information from official websites, news outlets, and other public resources to make it easier for Michigan residents to stay informed. We strive to provide accurate, balanced, and up-to-date information, but we may occasionally miss updates or changes. Michigan Women is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not support or oppose any political candidate or party. This content is intended solely for civic education and public awareness.
