Cleary was Michigan Secretary of State from 1953 to 1954 and defeated in 1954. He was candidate in the primary for Governor of Michigan in 1954 and was the last Republican to serve as Secretary of State until Candice Miller took office in 1995.
From 1953 to 1954, Cleary served as Michigan's Secretary of State and was defeated in 1954. He ran for Governor of Michigan in 1954 but lost. He was the last Republican Secretary of State until Candice Miller assumed office in 1995.