Anthony Forlini, a Republican and Macomb County clerk, is running for Michigan secretary of state in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
He faces Democrat Garlin Gilchrist II, Libertarian Christine Sloan, Green Party candidate Eric Borregard and U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate Scott E. Aughney, according to the Michigan Department of State’s official candidate list.
Forlini responded to the Rochester Register candidate questionnaire on Oct. 7. Unless otherwise noted, the information and responses below come from that questionnaire.
Asked why he is running, Forlini pointed to changes he said have improved service at the Macomb County clerk’s office.
“I want to bring those same solutions to every Michigan county,” he said.
He also cited his father’s immigration from Italy and his desire for his children and grandchildren to build their lives in Michigan.
“My dad came from Italy because of the American Dream. Michigan gave him the opportunity to make an incredible life here,” he said.
Forlini said economic conditions have prevented some of his children from remaining in Michigan.
Candidate information
Party affiliation: Republican. Forlini said he has also received support from elected Democrats.
“I value working alongside those of differing viewpoints,” he said.
Education: Forlini reported earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University and graduating from Fraser High School.
Family: In his Oct. 7 response, Forlini said he and his wife, Diane, had been married for 41 years. They have three adult children and four grandchildren. He also said his father was 91.
Family in politics or government: Forlini said no family member works in politics or government.
Experience and public service
Forlini described his background as a small business owner, former Harrison Township supervisor and former state representative.
He currently serves as Macomb County clerk and register of deeds, according to the county’s website. His campaign biography dates his service in that office to January 2021 and identifies his former Michigan House seat as the 24th District.
Asked about accomplishments that prepare him for the secretary of state’s office, Forlini cited two national awards received by the clerk’s office and improvements he said had reduced wait times.
The county’s May 2025 newsletter confirms awards recognizing civic interaction and public trust for jury-room improvements, and operational efficiency in the register of deeds and vital records departments.
“We improved wait times and will do the same at the Secretary of State’s office,” Forlini said. “I want to make local offices work better for you.”
On the issues
Election administration: Forlini said he wants to apply changes made in Macomb County to election administration statewide.
“I will bring all the reforms to election security and integrity that we have brought to Macomb County,” he said.
His questionnaire response did not identify the individual election reforms he would pursue statewide.
Notary services: Forlini said he would modernize the Office of the Great Seal’s notary system to strengthen security and prevent fraud.
“I will increase transparency and work to make systems more reliable and accountable,” he said.
Public understanding and transparency: Forlini said the secretary of state should take an active role in overseeing department procedures and explaining election administration to the public.
“It is imperative for the Secretary of State to be aware of and involved in the department processes and procedures, and to adequately explain changes, hiccups, or developments to the public,” he said.
He also emphasized following procedures so election results are compiled accurately and promptly.
What sets him apart: Forlini cited his experience as county clerk and his attendance record in the Michigan House. He said he never missed a vote during his six years as a state representative.
“I will always show up and do any job I am elected to do,” he said.
Endorsements
Forlini’s campaign website lists endorsements from Michigan Realtors, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, RLM PAC and CTV PAC.
Advice that guides him
“You should only represent people after you have walked a mile in their shoes,” Forlini said. “It enables you to serve and represent them more effectively.”
This profile is based primarily on Forlini’s responses to the Rochester Register candidate questionnaire, with additional information from official election records, county materials and his campaign website. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain his wording.
