MASON, Mich. (WLNS) — The “worst-kept secret” in political circles is out—Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum has formally filed for the Democratic Nomination for Secretary of State.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Perhaps one of the worst-kept secrets is that I’m running for the nomination — for the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State,” Bryum tells 6 Information in an unique tv interview about her run.
The 47-year-old already has an opponent.
Barb Byrum. (FILE/WLNS)
Michigan’s present Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Ederbie introduced his candidacy for the submit in January.
Present Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is term-limited and can’t search re-election to the submit. She’s looking for the 2026 Democratic nomination for governor — in a crowded subject.
Republicans don’t have any official candidates for Secretary of State.
In Michigan, partisan gubernatorial candidates will likely be chosen in an open major in August 2026. Nonetheless, candidates for Secretary of State, Lawyer Common and positions on varied state college board in addition to the state Board of Training are chosen throughout a statewide occasion conference.
Byrum says she expects the conference might occur as quickly as April 2026.
Byrum, who’s married with two teenage sons, has served three phrases within the state Home of Representatives. She represented a district that was competitively cut up between Republican and Democratic voters.
After being term-limited from the Home, Byrum sought — and gained — the Ingham County Clerk submit. She’s served in that place for 12 years. In November 2024, she cruised to a straightforward re-election, garnering 66.8% of Ingham County’s vote, stories Ballotpedia.
As clerk, her X account has develop into a go-to for commentary on election considerations, together with election denialism.
She says she is able to roll if chosen by the Democratic Occasion to run for the place.
“Michigan deserves a secretary of state who’s ready to hit the ground running,” she tells 6 Information. “I have been on the ground. I have ran 40 elections already in my 12 years as county clerk. I have conducted numerous recounts. Presidential 2016 presidential recount was my first. And I am experienced. I’m time-tested. I’ve been elected multiple times and I have the experience necessary to run elections and, quite frankly, to go toe to toe with election deniers or anyone who attacks our elections or the integrity of our elections, for that matter.”
