Gilchrist takes over as National Lieutenant Governors Association chair

Lt. Garlin Gilchrist at the State of the State speech, Jan. 24, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols

Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II took the helm of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) at the association’s annual meeting this week.

The NLGA is a bipartisan group of elected officials who are first in the line of succession to their states’ governors.

Gilchrist, who was elected to become the chair of the NLGA last year, took on the role Thursday as the association met in Detroit, where Gilchrist, his wife, Ellen, and three children reside.

“The National Lieutenant Governors Association is at the forefront of our work as lieutenant governors to make a difference for communities across the nation,” Gilchrist said in a news release Thursday. “As Michigan leads the nation on issues like lowering costs, protecting freedoms, growing economic opportunity, and boosting clean energy, I am excited to step up as Chair and work with my fellow lieutenant governors to find common ground solutions to the challenges we face.”

The news release from Gilchrist’s office adds that it is fitting that the NLGA had its meeting in Detroit, as the city embodies the grit and soul of innovation that will define the work the association wants to see in the future.

Detroit grew its population in 2023 for the first time in more than 60 years and this year broke the all-time NFL Draft attendance record hosting more than 700,000 attendees at the draft .

In May, Gilchrist and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced new statewide projects supporting efforts in innovation and affordable housing throughout the state at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

“Lt. Governor Gilchrist’s selection as Chair reflects the faith and confidence of his peer lieutenant governors nationwide to lead this valuable organization,” NLGA Director Kellie Rittershausen said in the news release.

Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg, a Republican who previously chaired the NLGA, said in the news release that he’s honored to have served in the role and looks forward to what his Democratic colleague will accomplish in the role.

“I’m proud to pass the gavel to my friend and colleague, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. I know our bipartisan organization is in good hands under his leadership, and I look forward to seeing his work in leading this historic organization into the future,” Gregg said.

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