MASON, Mich. (WLNS) — The “worst-kept secret” in political circles is out — Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum has officially 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 told News 8 sister station WLNS-TV in an exclusive television interview.
The 47-year-old already has an opponent. Michigan’s current Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Ederbie announced his candidacy for the post in January.
Current Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to the post. She’s among the crowded field seeking the 2026 Democratic nomination for governor.
As of Wednesday morning, Republicans have no official candidates to lead the state department.
Ballot initiative seeks to require proof of citizenship to vote
In Michigan, partisan gubernatorial candidates will be selected in an open primary in August 2026. However, candidates for Secretary of State, Attorney General and positions on various state university boards and the state Board of Education are selected during a statewide party convention.
Byrum says she expects the convention could happen as soon as April 2026.
Byrum, who is married with two teenage sons, has served three terms in the state House of Representatives. She represented a district that was competitively split between Republican and Democratic voters.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violated Campaign Finance Act, AG confirms
After being term-limited from the House, Byrum sought — and won — the Ingham County Clerk post. She has served in that position for 12 years and easily won re-election last November.
As clerk, her X account has become a go-to for commentary on election concerns, including election denialism. She says she is ready to roll if chosen by the Democratic Party to run for the position.
“Michigan deserves a secretary of state who’s ready to hit the ground running,” she told WLNS. “I have been on the ground. I have ran 40 elections already in my 12 years as county clerk. I have conducted numerous recounts. (The) 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.”
