The only confirmed debate between the two major-party candidates for Michigan secretary of state will take place in Ann Arbor.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, a Democrat, and Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini, a Republican, are scheduled to debate Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Annenberg Auditorium in Weill Hall, home of the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Bridge Michigan, which announced the event Monday, Sept. 14, is the lead media and editorial partner.

The winner will succeed Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat who is term-limited and running for governor. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Bridge Michigan Capitol reporter Jordyn Hermani will moderate. Zach Gorchow, president of Gongwer News Service Michigan, will co-moderate. Student representatives from the Michigan College Democrats and Michigan College Republicans will also pose questions.

The debate is open to the public, but seating in the auditorium may be limited. Organizers said seats could be distributed by lottery, with registration available online.

Celeste Watkins-Hayes, dean of the Ford School, said the stakes are broad. "The work of the Secretary of State's office touches all Michiganders and we look forward to hearing from the two candidates about their visions for the next four years," she said in the announcement.

A Detroit News/WDIV-TV poll released Wednesday, Sept. 9, showed Gilchrist leading Forlini 42% to 36% among 600 likely voters, with about 22% undecided. The poll, conducted by the Glengariff Group, had a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.

Pollster Richard Czuba attributed Gilchrist's early lead largely to greater name recognition after nearly eight years as lieutenant governor. As of August, Gilchrist reported roughly $1 million in cash on hand, while Forlini reported $296,000, according to the Detroit News.

Forlini has served as Macomb County clerk since 2021 and previously represented parts of the county in the Michigan House. In a Sept. 3 interview with Michigan Public, Gorchow noted that clerk experience is traditionally a strong launching pad to secretary of state because the office is the state's chief election officer.

The Oct. 8 debate falls on the same night as a U.S. Senate debate in Grand Rapids. Bridge Michigan will livestream the secretary of state debate at Bridgemi.com.