(The Center Square) – Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum recently announced the endorsement of three former Michigan Democratic Party chairs in her race to become Michigan’s next secretary of state.

Byrum is joined in the race, which will be held at the midterm elections in 2026, by current Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie. The seat is currently held by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is term-locked.

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“These three chairs have been the face of the Democratic Party in Michigan for three decades, and have led efforts to make sure working families’ voices are heard, including at the ballot box,” Byrum said. “I am so thankful for their support in endorsing me as the best choice for secretary of state.”

Combined, the three former party chairs – Lavora Barnes, Lon Johnson, and Mark Brewer – led the Michigan Democratic party for the last 26 years, playing a critical role in the party’s decisions.

They said in a statement they believe Byrum will be the best choice for the seat.

“For decades, Barb has lived the values of the Democratic party,” said Brewer, who served as the party chair from 1995-2013. “She is a champion of workers rights, is a passionate advocate for civil rights, and defends and protects our rights as voters each and every day. We need a secretary of state who will fight for our voters, and I can think of no better person than Barb Byrum to do just that.”

Byrum, who was formerly a state representative from 2006-12, is running on a platform of protecting voting rights and fighting government inefficiency and corruption.

Her campaign has also labeled her a “pioneer” for a wide range of gender identities and sexual orientations rights, “from officiating the first gay marriage in our state to making marriage licenses and other government forms and processes accessible to trans Michiganders.”

In Michigan, candidates for the secretary of state race are nominated at the respective Democrat and Republican party conventions, which will be held spring 2026. That makes these endorsements from key Democrats particularly important for Byrum’s campaign in garnering the support of the Democrat Party’s delegates.

Johnson, who served as the party chair from 2013-15, highlighted why Byrum received his support.

“In the current climate, it is more important than ever to elect a secretary of state who will fight to ensure that we have equitable access to the many services that the secretary of state’s office provides,” he said. “Democrats are about putting people first. We need people-first leaders like Barb at the state level and I am thrilled to support her.”

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In the 2026 election, Michigan will be voting on its top three executive positions: governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary of state. All three of those are held by Democrats.

No Republicans have yet announced their candidacy.