This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.
A banner of the late Uruguayan President Jose Mujica hangs outside the Legislative Palace where he lies in state during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Lucia Topolansky, widow of late former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, left, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, center, and Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi talk to nuns during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva stands beside the casket of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica during the late leader's funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
A supporter with a Brazilian flag lines up to pay their last respects to the late Uruguayan President José Mujica during funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva kisses Lucia Topolansky, widow of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
A girl gives a flower to Lucia Topolansky, widow of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Supporters line up at the Legislative Palace to pay their last respects to former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
People watch the funeral procession of the late former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi covers the casket of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica with the national flag at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, left, stands with Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former President Jose Mujica, next to his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
The funeral procession for the late former President Jose Mujica makes its way from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
A woman holds a portrait of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica outside the Legislative Palace, where he lies in state during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Ceremonial guards line up as the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica arrives at the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
People line up to pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Mourners pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
People line up to pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during a funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is covered in his national and political party flags during funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is on display at the Legislative Palace during his funeral cermemony in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
A woman watches the funeral procession of former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly, next to graffiti that reads in Spanish: "Farewell dear old man," in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Mourners watch the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Mourners watch the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica from the sidelines of his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Ceremonial guards line up as the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica arrives at the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Supporters escort the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during a funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported during a funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Supporters walk behind the casket of late former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is carried into the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, second from right, front, leads the funeral procession for late former President Jose Mujica in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
People watch the funeral procession of the late former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Supporters of the political party "Movimiento de Participación Popular," or Popular Participation Movement, parade past the presidential palace during the funeral of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi covers the casket of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica with the national flag at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, left, stands with Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former President Jose Mujica, next to his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, stands beside his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica arrives to the Legislative Palace during his funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is carried through Montevideo, Uruguay, from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during his funeral procession, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Supporters walk alongside the casket of former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Supporters walk behind the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Supporters walk behind the casket of former President Jose Mujica during a funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is transported from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during his funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The funeral procession for the late former President Jose Mujica makes its way from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
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A banner of the late Uruguayan President Jose Mujica hangs outside the Legislative Palace where he lies in state during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Lucia Topolansky, widow of late former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, left, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, center, and Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi talk to nuns during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva stands beside the casket of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica during the late leader's funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
A supporter with a Brazilian flag lines up to pay their last respects to the late Uruguayan President José Mujica during funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva kisses Lucia Topolansky, widow of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
A girl gives a flower to Lucia Topolansky, widow of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, during funeral ceremonies for the late leader at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Supporters line up at the Legislative Palace to pay their last respects to former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
People watch the funeral procession of the late former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi covers the casket of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica with the national flag at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, left, stands with Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former President Jose Mujica, next to his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
The funeral procession for the late former President Jose Mujica makes its way from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
A woman holds a portrait of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica outside the Legislative Palace, where he lies in state during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Ceremonial guards line up as the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica arrives at the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
People line up to pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Mourners pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
People line up to pay their final respects to the late former President Jose Mujica lying in state at the Legislative Palace, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during a funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is covered in his national and political party flags during funeral ceremonies at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is on display at the Legislative Palace during his funeral cermemony in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
A woman watches the funeral procession of former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly, next to graffiti that reads in Spanish: "Farewell dear old man," in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Mourners watch the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Mourners watch the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica from the sidelines of his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Ceremonial guards line up as the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica arrives at the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Supporters escort the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during a funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported during a funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Supporters walk behind the casket of late former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is carried into the Legislative Palace during funeral ceremonies in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, second from right, front, leads the funeral procession for late former President Jose Mujica in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
People watch the funeral procession of the late former President Jose Mujica from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Supporters of the political party "Movimiento de Participación Popular," or Popular Participation Movement, parade past the presidential palace during the funeral of former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi covers the casket of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica with the national flag at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, left, stands with Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former President Jose Mujica, next to his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
Lucia Topolansky, widow of the late, former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica, stands beside his casket at the presidential palace in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica arrives to the Legislative Palace during his funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is carried through Montevideo, Uruguay, from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during his funeral procession, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Supporters walk alongside the casket of former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Supporters walk behind the casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
Supporters walk behind the casket of former President Jose Mujica during a funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The casket of late former President Jose Mujica is transported during his funeral procession from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The casket of Uruguay's former President Jose Mujica is transported from the presidential palace to the National Assembly during his funeral procession in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich)
The funeral procession for the late former President Jose Mujica makes its way from the presidential palace to the National Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced Monday he is suspending his campaign for governor and instead joining the race for secretary of state of the battleground state.
Gilchrist, a progressive Democrat from Detroit, did not cite a specific reason for the change in his video announcement, but said he is not finished being a “public servant.” His departure clears up the Democratic primary and benefits the frontrunner, Jocelyn Benson, who is the current Secretary of State, in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The secretary of state is Michigan's top election official, a highly politicized and visible role since the 2020 presidential election.
“Michigan has been ground zero in the battle for free and fair elections before, and it will be again,” Gilchrist said.
As Whitmer’s second in command and her running mate in two elections, Gilchrist struggled to match Benson’s name recognition and fundraising. He reported having around $378,000 of cash on hand as of October compared to Benson’s $2.98 million.
Benson is now set to face only Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary in August.
The inclusion of a well-known independent candidate has created a new problem for Democrats this year. Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is avoiding costly primaries altogether by running as an independent. The Michigan Democratic Party slammed the former Democrat last week for not standing up to President Donald Trump’s second term policies.
In the Republican primary, U.S. Rep. John James, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, state Senate Leader Aaric Nesbitt and former Michigan House speaker Tom Leonard are jockeying for the nomination.
In his bid to become secretary of state, Gilchrist will face four other Democrats: Barb Byrum, Ingham County clerk; Aghogho Edevbie, deputy secretary of state; Suzanna Shkreli, a former Whitmer aide and commissioner of the Michigan State Lottery; and Adam Hollier, a former state senator from Detroit.
Michigan does not hold primary elections for the secretary of state position; the nominee is chosen by precinct delegates during party conventions. The Michigan Democratic Party convention is scheduled for April 19.
State Republicans plan to hold their nominating convention March 28 and GOP figures chasing the party's nomination for secretary of state include Anthony Forlini, Macomb County Clerk, and Monica Yatooma, an Oakland County executive.
In addition to the office of the governor and secretary of state, Michigan voters will be selecting a new state attorney general and a U.S. senator in November.
FILE - Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II waits before the State of the State address, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, file)