Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum has launched a campaign bid for Michigan Secretary of State next year.

Byrum said “As the Ingham County Clerk, I've been a fierce defender of what’s right my entire 18-year career in public service – and I’m taking my passion for safe, secure, and accessible elections to the next level”.

Byrum, a Democrat, has served in her current clerk role since 2012. Prior to that, she served in the Michigan House of Representatives for six years. She also owns a hardware store in Charlotte.

Byrum is the second candidate to announce a bid to replace Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election in 2026. She is running to become Governor and replace term-limited Gretchen Whitmer.

Democratic Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie announced a run earlier this year.

No major Republican candidates have entered the race.