LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s next secretary of state will keep the office in Democratic hands.

Democrat Garlin Gilchrist defeated Republican Anthony Forlini and will succeed Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson in January.

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“The biggest difference between us and them, the biggest difference between Michigan and the rest of the country, the biggest difference between Democrats and those who vote against Democrats, is we have a place for everyone,” Gilchrist said during his victory speech early Wednesday. “Our vision is big enough to include everyone.”

His message of inclusion followed a public split within the Michigan Democratic Party over U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens’ endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers.

“Congresswoman Stevens is not a current member of the Michigan Democratic Party, nor will she be in the future,” party Chair Curtis Hertel Jr. wrote Sunday. Stevens has maintained that she remains a Democrat.

Forlini congratulated Gilchrist and thanked his supporters.

“The secretary of state’s responsibilities are significant, and his success in serving Michigan will ultimately be our state’s success,” Forlini said in a statement.

The office oversees Michigan’s elections, driver and vehicle services, and campaign finance administration.