The Michigan Education Association is recommending Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state, the state’s largest public employee union and education organization announced Wednesday.

“Our members who interviewed the candidates were excited to hear Garlin’s plans to partner with educators so the secretary of state can make a difference for students – ranging from quality civics and voter education, support for local elections critical to neighborhood schools, and improving the quality, availability and cost of driver education,” said MEA President & CEO Chandra Madafferi.

“As an engineer, he’s a trained problem solver who’s uniquely qualified to work from day one modernizing secretary of state operations to meet taxpayer needs, keeping our elections secure and expanding government transparency.”

Candidates from both parties were invited to attend interviews with MEA’s Statewide Screening & Recommendation Committee, who voted to recommend Gilchrist to MEA members as the strongest candidate in this critical race. The committee is made up of educators from across the state, including preK-12 teachers and education support professionals, higher education faculty and staff, and school retirees.

“Throughout his years as lieutenant governor, Garlin Gilchrist has been a steadfast friend of public education and MEA’s members in every corner of our state. We’re proud to stand with him as he campaigns to continue serving Michigan as our next secretary of state,” Madafferi said.

As the state’s largest school employee union, MEA and its members – who live and work in every Michigan county – have a long history of political engagement and helping friends of public education win elections.  Throughout this important election year, MEA will continue to invite candidates from both parties to interview and will recommend candidates at the federal, state and local levels so our members can actively support pro-public education candidates.