Gretchen Whitmer

Gretchen Esther Whitmer was born on August 23, 1971, in Lansing, Michigan, the eldest of three children of Sharon H. "Sherry" Reisig (née Hanna) and Richard Whitmer, who were both attorneys.{{cite web|title=Monday Profile: Gretchen Whitmer|url=https://www.legalnews.com/washtenaw/1423164 |first=Jo |last=Mathis |newspaper=Oakland Legal News |date=April 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214214611/http://www.legalnews.com/washtenaw/1423164 |archive-date=February 14, 2020 |access-date=March 2, 2017}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/detroitnews/name/sharon-whitmer-obituary?id=40898568 |title=Sharon H. Reisig Whitmer Obituary |work=The Detroit News |via=Legacy.com |date=December 2, 2016 |access-date=April 29, 2020 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309150058/https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/detroitnews/name/sharon-whitmer-obituary?id=40898568 |url-status=live }} Her father was head of the Michigan department of commerce under Governor William Milliken, a Republican, and the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan from 1988 to 2006.{{cite news |title=Blue Cross takes punches in governor's race |url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20180708/news/665536/blue-cross-takes-punches-in-governors-race |first=Chad |last=Livengood |access-date=July 11, 2018 |work=Crain's Detroit Business |date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=December 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220093048/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20180708/news/665536/blue-cross-takes-punches-in-governors-race |url-status=live }} Her mother worked as an assistant attorney general under Michigan Attorney General, Frank J. Kelley.{{cite web|title=Stateline Profile Gretchen Whitmer|url=https://www.csgmidwest.org/publications/documents/p8Whitmer.pdf|website=Council of State Governments Midwest|access-date=March 2, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807121202/https://www.csgmidwest.org/publications/documents/p8Whitmer.pdf|url-status=dead}}

Whitmer's parents divorced when she was ten years old, after which she and her siblings moved with their mother to Grand Rapids; her father traveled from his home in Detroit to visit the family at least once a week.{{Cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/05/24/gretchen-whitmer-governor-michigan/629845002/|title=Gretchen Whitmer's perplexing problem in race for Michigan governor|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|access-date=August 10, 2018|first=Kathleen|last=Gray|date=May 24, 2018|archive-date=November 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118042649/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/05/24/gretchen-whitmer-governor-michigan/629845002/|url-status=live}} She attended a Christian summer camp in West Virginia for several summers; during one such summer, she was injured during a game of tag, losing both of her front teeth. From 1985 to 1989, she attended Forest Hills Central High School near Grand Rapids, participating in the school's softball and track and field teams.{{cite news|last=Mathews|first=Reena|title=FHC alumna Senator Gretchen Whitmer is running for Governor|url=https://thecentraltrend.com/13375/showcase/senator-gretchen-whitmer-fhc-alumna-running-for-governor|access-date=March 2, 2017|work=The Central Trend|date=January 17, 2017|archive-date=March 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302193845/http://thecentraltrend.com/13375/showcase/senator-gretchen-whitmer-fhc-alumna-running-for-governor/|url-status=live}} During her time at Forest Hills, Whitmer became intoxicated before a football game, leading her to briefly pass out and vomit on the school principal, Bert Bleke. Whitmer said that she "got it together" after that incident and was eventually awarded most improved student of the year 1987 at her school.{{Cite web |last=Kaffer |first=Nancy |title=We talked to Whitmer about her new book and asked about tattoos, Gen X and 2028 {{!}} Opinion |url=https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/columnists/nancy-kaffer/2024/07/07/michigan-whitmer-new-book-true-gretch/74249101007/ |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}

After graduating from high school, Whitmer enrolled at Michigan State University to study communication, with the intent of becoming a broadcaster for ESPN. She graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in communication. While an undergraduate, Whitmer interned with then State Representative Curtis Hertel, which convinced her to study law. She attended the Michigan State University College of Law, where she was a member of the Michigan State Law Review. She graduated in 1998 with a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude.{{cite web |title=Alumni/Student Profile: Gretchen Whitmer |url=https://www.law.msu.edu/about-msu-law/alumni-profiles/profile-pages/whitmer-gretchen.html |website=law.msu.edu}} She then entered private practice in the Lansing office of the Detroit law firm Dickinson Wright.{{Cite web|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/02/04/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-state-union-response/4653566002/|title=Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to give SOTU response: What to know about her|first=Meredith|last=Spelbring|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801070954/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/02/04/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-state-union-response/4653566002/|url-status=live}}

In 1999, Whitmer was elected chair of the East Lansing Transportation Commission.

{{See also|Electoral history of Gretchen Whitmer#State House}}

In 2000, Whitmer ran for the Michigan House of Representatives' 70th district to succeed representative Laura Baird. After winning the Democratic primary against Mary Lindemann, John Schlinker, and Bob McCann, she ran against Republican nominee Bill Hollister. She campaigned on education and healthcare reform and environmental protections.{{Cite news |last=Egan |first=Paul |title=Lindemann, Whitmer put sizzle in area's House race |work=Lansing State Journal |pages=1}}{{Cite news |last=De La Cruz |first=Jessica |date=November 8, 2000 |title=Whitmer leads in 70th district |work=Lansing State Journal |pages=8}} Whitmer won the election, receiving 17,409 total votes.{{Cite web |title=2000 Michigan Official General Election Results - 11/07/2000 |url=https://mielections.us/election/results/00gen/#08070000 |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=mielections.us |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703011943/https://mielections.us/election/results/00gen/#08070000 |url-status=live }} She was reelected to the 69th House district in 2002 and 2004 and served as vice chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee.{{cite book|author=Michigan Legislative Service Bureau|title=Michigan Manual 2005–2006|publisher=Legislative Council, State of Michigan|year=2006|location=Lansing, Michigan|url=https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(f2cy0juhjuzyfnbqyda3ci5x))/documents/2005-2006/michiganmanual/2005-MM-P0269-p0269.pdf|isbn=1-878210-06-8|access-date=December 27, 2022|page=269|archive-date=December 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227030611/https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(f2cy0juhjuzyfnbqyda3ci5x))/documents/2005-2006/michiganmanual/2005-MM-P0269-p0269.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://mdoe.state.mi.us/legislators/Legislator/LegislatorDetail/3273|title=Legislator Details - Gretchen Whitmer|publisher=Library of Michigan|access-date=December 27, 2022|archive-date=October 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015173940/https://mdoe.state.mi.us/legislators/legislator/LegislatorDetail/3273|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Andrews |first=Chris |date=August 31, 2005 |title=Whitmer to go after Senate seat |work=Lansing State Journal |pages=11}}

In 2003, Whitmer introduced a bill in the Michigan House that would raise taxes on alcohol and improve fire protection in the state, a proposition that earned the attention and support of then-governor Jennifer Granholm.{{Cite news |last=Andrews |first=Chris |date=May 29, 2003 |title=Plan would boost cost of liquor to raise funds |work=Lansing State Journal |pages=1}} In 2005, Whitmer was voted Most Effective Democrat of the Michigan House.{{Cite news |last=Mattson |first=Jerry |date=February 17, 2006 |title=Whitmer Effective |pages=10 |work=Lansing State Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/210358832/?terms=Gretchen%20Whitmer&match=1 |access-date=July 19, 2023 |archive-date=July 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719225600/https://www.newspapers.com/image/210358832/?terms=Gretchen%20Whitmer&match=1 |url-status=live }}

In March 2006, Whitmer won a special election to the Michigan State Senate, replacing Virg Bernero, who had been elected mayor of Lansing in November 2005.{{cite web|title=Ingham County to hold special election to fill state Senate seat|url=https://pridesource.com/article/17392/|website=Between the Lines|publisher=Pride Source Media Group, LLC|access-date=July 6, 2020|first=Dawn Wolfe|last=Gutterman|date=February 2, 2006|archive-date=March 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306044538/https://pridesource.com/article/17392/|url-status=dead}} She was elected to a full term in November, and reelected in 2010. In 2011, Whitmer's Democratic colleagues unanimously chose her to be the Senate Democratic Leader, making her the first woman to lead a party caucus in the Senate. Due to term limits, Whitmer was unable to run for reelection in 2014 and left office in 2015.{{cite web|author=Michigan Senate Democrats |title=Michigan Senate Democrats: About Gretchen Whitmer |year=2007 |url=http://www.senate.mi.gov/whitmer/about.htm |access-date=June 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205183624/http://www.senate.mi.gov/whitmer/about.htm |archive-date=February 5, 2007 |url-status=dead }}

In 2013, Whitmer received national recognition when she revealed that she had been the victim of rape during her freshman year at Michigan State University.{{Cite news |last=Cramer |first=Ruby |date=July 9, 2022 |title=Gretchen Whitmer's abortion fight — from the porch with her daughters |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/07/09/gretchen-whitmer-profile/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428055819/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/07/09/gretchen-whitmer-profile/ |archive-date=April 28, 2023 |access-date=June 28, 2024 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en}} She told her story during a debate about abortion rights, while making the case that victims of rape should be allowed to terminate pregnancies that result from the assault.{{cite news |last1=Abbey-Lambertz |first1=Kate |title=Lawmaker Bravely Reveals She Was Victim Of Rape In Emotional 'Abortion Insurance' Debate |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gretchen-whitmer-rape_n_4432203 |access-date=February 4, 2020 |website=The Huffington Post |date=December 12, 2013 |language=en |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604031920/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gretchen-whitmer-rape_n_4432203 |url-status=live }}

On May 11, 2016, it was announced that the judges of Michigan's 30th Judicial Circuit Court had unanimously selected Whitmer to serve the remaining six months of outgoing Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III's term.{{cite web |access-date=March 9, 2023 |url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/capitol/2016/05/11/whitmer-chosen-interim-ingham-county-prosecutor/84248374/ |title=Whitmer chosen for interim Ingham County prosecutor |website=Lansing State Journal |first=Justin A. |last=Hinkley |date=May 11, 2016 |archive-date=August 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809075548/https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/capitol/2016/05/11/whitmer-chosen-interim-ingham-county-prosecutor/84248374/ |url-status=live }} Dunnings resigned, effective July 2, 2016, after being charged with misconduct in office and with prostitution-related offenses;{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2016/03/ingham_county_prosecutor_alleg.html|title=Ingham County Prosecutor allegedly engaged prostitutes 'hundreds of times'|website=MLive.com|first=Emily|last=Lawler|date=March 14, 2016|access-date=May 11, 2016|archive-date=May 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529222906/https://www.mlive.com/news/2016/03/ingham_county_prosecutor_alleg.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2016/03/stuart_dunnings_informs_ingham.html |title=Stuart Dunnings informs Ingham County he is resigning as prosecutor |website=MLive.com |first=Benjamin |last=Raven |date=March 29, 2016 |access-date=May 11, 2016 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406164333/https://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2016/03/stuart_dunnings_informs_ingham.html |url-status=live }} he subsequently pleaded guilty to several counts and was sentenced to one year in jail and two years' probation.[https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/crime/former-prosecutor-stuart-dunnings-sentenced-to-1-year-in-jail/69-354968449 Former prosecutor Stuart Dunnings sentenced to 1 year in jail] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628213738/https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/crime/former-prosecutor-stuart-dunnings-sentenced-to-1-year-in-jail/69-354968449 |date=June 28, 2024 }}, Lansing State Journal/WZZM (November 22, 2016).

On June 21, 2016, Whitmer was administered the oath of office as prosecutor by Ingham County Circuit Court Chief Judge Janelle Lawless. She said her top priorities during her six months of service would be to determine if any other officials in the prosecutor's office knew about Dunnings's alleged crimes and to change how the office handled domestic violence and sexual assault cases.{{cite web|url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2016/06/21/whitmer-looking-forward-starting-prosecutor/86139690|title=Whitmer 'looking forward' to starting as prosecutor|first1=Justin A.|last1=Hinkley|first2=Matt|last2=Mencarini|website=Lansing State Journal|date=June 21, 2016|access-date=July 6, 2016|archive-date=June 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628213818/https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2016/06/21/whitmer-looking-forward-starting-prosecutor/86139690/|url-status=live}}

In July 2016, Whitmer issued an 11-page report on whether Dunnings's offenses had affected cases the office handled. The report concluded that employees "were never asked to compromise a case or look the other way" and that she had "full confidence that any problem that had existed in this office left with Mr. Dunnings".{{cite web|url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/watchdog/2016/07/22/problems-left-mr-dunnings-whitmer-says/87431782/|title=Cases unaffected by Dunnings' alleged crimes, Whitmer says|first=Justin A.|last=Hinkley|website=Lansing State Journal|date=July 22, 2016|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-date=August 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809075549/https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/watchdog/2016/07/22/problems-left-mr-dunnings-whitmer-says/87431782/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://pa.ingham.org/Portals/PA/Documents/Report%20on%20the%20Status%20of%20the%20Ingham%20County%20Prosecutor's%20Office.pdf |title=Report on the Status of the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office |publisher=Ingham County Prosecutor's Office |first=Gretchen |last=Whitmer |date=July 22, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803145021/http://pa.ingham.org/Portals/PA/Documents/Report%20on%20the%20Status%20of%20the%20Ingham%20County%20Prosecutor's%20Office.pdf |archive-date=August 3, 2016 |url-status=dead }} Whitmer's term expired on December 31, 2016.

{{Main|2018 Michigan gubernatorial election}}

{{See also|Electoral history of Gretchen Whitmer#2018}}

File:Michigan_National_Guard_members_participate_in_inauguration,_Adjutant_General_swearing-in_190101-F-VX133-257.jpg

On January 3, 2017, Whitmer announced she would run in the 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race.{{cite web|last=Whitmer|first=Gretchen|title=I'm ready — are you?|url=https://medium.com/@gretchenwhitmer_12225/im-ready-are-you-c150e9f75e97|website=Medium|access-date=June 3, 2017|date=January 3, 2017|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209124830/https://medium.com/@gretchenwhitmer_12225/im-ready-are-you-c150e9f75e97|url-status=live}} In the August 2018 primary, Whitmer became the Democratic nominee, winning 52% of the vote and defeating Abdul El-Sayed, who took 30%, and Shri Thanedar, who took 17%.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/07/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-election-results.html|title=Whitmer and Schuette Win Michigan Governor's Nominations|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 8, 2018|access-date=November 7, 2018|last1=Herndon|first1=Astead W.|archive-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106152201/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/07/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-election-results.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://mielections.us/election/results/2018PRI_CENR.html|title=2018 Michigan Primary Results|publisher=Michigan Secretary of State|access-date=June 12, 2024|archive-date=March 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301220225/https://mielections.us/election/results/2018PRI_CENR.html|url-status=live}}

While campaigning in 2018, Whitmer said that, if elected, she would focus on improving Michigan's "fundamentals"; she named schools, roads, and water systems as priorities.{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/74dead3614e346e495e064c3e42a6f13 |first=David |last=Eggert |title=AP Interview: Whitmer focuses on 'fundamentals' like roads |date=September 15, 2018 |website=Associated Press |access-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309150119/https://apnews.com/article/74dead3614e346e495e064c3e42a6f13 |url-status=live }} Whitmer's main opponent was Republican Bill Schuette, the term-limited attorney general of Michigan. The two candidates debated twice.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2018/10/gretchen_whitmer_bill_schuette.html |first=Emily |last=Lawler |title=Gretchen Whitmer, Bill Schuette butt heads at first gubernatorial debate |website=MLive.com |date=October 13, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007121429/https://www.mlive.com/news/2018/10/gretchen_whitmer_bill_schuette.html |url-status=live }}

Whitmer defeated Schuette in the November 6 election by nearly a 10-point margin.{{cite news |title=Michigan Election Results |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/06/us/elections/results-michigan-elections.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 6, 2018 |language=en |access-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-date=May 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517130807/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/06/us/elections/results-michigan-elections.html |url-status=live }}

{{Main|2022 Michigan gubernatorial election}}

Whitmer was reelected to a second term in 2022, defeating Republican nominee Tudor Dixon.{{Cite web|last=Eggert|first=David|date=July 21, 2021|title=Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer reelection campaign breaks fundraising record|url=https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/midwest/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-raises-8-5m-for-reelection-campaign-in-7-months/|access-date=August 2, 2021|website=News Nation|language=en-US|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803031837/https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/midwest/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-raises-8-5m-for-reelection-campaign-in-7-months/|url-status=live}} She won by nearly 11 points, a larger margin than many analysts and election watchers predicted, with polling showing a tightening race in the weeks before election day in what was expected to be a tough midterm election for Democrats in battleground states like Michigan.{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Lauren |title=Whitmer beats back Dixon in Michigan governor's race |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/09/gretchen-whitmer-tudor-dixon-michigan-governor-race-results-2022-00064764 |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=POLITICO |date=November 9, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405200236/https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/09/gretchen-whitmer-tudor-dixon-michigan-governor-race-results-2022-00064764 |url-status=live }} Whitmer won 18 counties and expanded her margins in several vote-rich, bellwether areas of the state, including Oakland, Macomb, and Kent Counties.{{Cite news |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Michigan Governor Election Results |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/08/us/elections/results-michigan-governor.html |access-date=April 5, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409115836/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/08/us/elections/results-michigan-governor.html |url-status=live }}

File:Gretchen_Whitmer_(52667694988)_(1).jpg

Whitmer describes herself as a progressive Democrat, who can work with state legislators from different political perspectives.{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Mitch|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union.html|title=Democrats Turn to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan for Trump State of the Union Response|date=February 4, 2020|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=April 14, 2020|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516141441/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union.html|url-status=live}}

As both a gubernatorial candidate and as governor, one of Whitmer's key pledges was to "fix the damn roads", a reference to Michigan's struggling infrastructure.{{Cite magazine |last1=Strauss |first1=Daniel |title=Is Gretchen Whitmer the Democrats' Next Presidential Nominee? |magazine=The New Republic |date=October 7, 2022 |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/167979/gretchen-whitmer-2022-reelection-presidential-nominee-2024 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |issn=0028-6583 |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009172900/https://newrepublic.com/article/167979/gretchen-whitmer-2022-reelection-presidential-nominee-2024 |url-status=live }} Her initial post-election plan to fund road repairs with a {{convert|45|¢/USgal|¢/L|adj=on}} gas tax increase was deeply unpopular, with one poll finding it opposed by 75% of Michigan voters, including majorities of Democrats and independent voters.{{cite news |last1=Livengood |first1=Chad |title=Poll: 75% oppose Whitmer's 45-cent gas tax hike plan |url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-chad-livengood/poll-75-oppose-whitmers-45-cent-gas-tax-hike-plan |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=Crain's Detroit Business |publisher=Crain Communications |date=April 18, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326003952/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-chad-livengood/poll-75-oppose-whitmers-45-cent-gas-tax-hike-plan |url-status=live }} Democratic legislators in Michigan's Republican-controlled legislature largely declined to support the plan, which would have nearly tripled Michigan's gas tax and potentially made it the highest in the nation.{{cite news |last1=Beggin |first1=Riley |title=Michigan House Dem leader says Whitmer's 45-cent gas tax is probably dead |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-house-dem-leader-says-whitmers-45-cent-gas-tax-probably-dead |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=Bridge Michigan |publisher=Center for Michigan |date=August 29, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809075549/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-house-dem-leader-says-whitmers-45-cent-gas-tax-probably-dead |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Malewitz |first1=Jim |last2=Wilkinson |first2=Mike |title=Gretchen Whitmer's plan to fix Michigan roads: Nearly triple gas tax |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/gretchen-whitmers-plan-fix-michigan-roads-nearly-triple-gas-tax |access-date=April 8, 2020 |work=Bridge Michigan |publisher=Center for Michigan |date=March 4, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405221525/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/gretchen-whitmers-plan-fix-michigan-roads-nearly-triple-gas-tax |url-status=live }}

Whitmer's first budget earmarked several billions of dollars for investment in infrastructure.{{cite news|first=Devan|last=Cole|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/04/politics/who-is-gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union-response/index.html|title=Michigan governor's response to Trump's State of the Union to highlight state Democrats want to win in 2020|date=February 4, 2020|access-date=February 4, 2020|publisher=CNN|archive-date=April 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162823/https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/04/politics/who-is-gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union-response/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last1=Law |first1=Tara |title=Gretchen Whitmer Is Giving the Democrats' State of the Union Response. Here's What to Know |url=https://time.com/5777872/gretchen-whitmer-democratic-response-state-of-the-union/ |access-date=February 4, 2020 |magazine=Time |date=February 4, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606010323/https://time.com/5777872/gretchen-whitmer-democratic-response-state-of-the-union/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Neavling |first1=Steve |title=Whitmer breaks pledge to 'fix the damn roads' under new budget |url=https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2019/09/09/whitmer-breaks-pledge-to-fix-the-damn-roads-under-new-budget |access-date=February 4, 2020 |work=Detroit Metro Times |date=September 9, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213154737/https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2019/09/09/whitmer-breaks-pledge-to-fix-the-damn-roads-under-new-budget |url-status=dead }} In 2019, she struggled with the Republican-controlled legislature to pass a budget and made several concessions.

The gubernatorial election and national conversation during Whitmer's time in office focused largely on healthcare. During the election, she was the only Democratic candidate not to support a single-payer healthcare system.{{cite news |last1=Jilani |first1=Zaid |title=A Blue Cross CEO Encouraged a Michigan Woman to Get Into Politics. Now She's Running for Governor and Says Single Payer Is Unrealistic. |url=https://theintercept.com/2018/07/18/michigan-governor-race-gretchen-whitmer-blue-cross/ |access-date=February 4, 2020 |publisher=The Intercept |date=July 18, 2018 |archive-date=January 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122014711/https://theintercept.com/2018/07/18/michigan-governor-race-gretchen-whitmer-blue-cross/ |url-status=live }} As governor, she has focused on women's healthcare and Medicaid expansion.

In May 2020, the Edenville Dam gave way after awaiting an overdue report on its safety standards. Whitmer directed the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to form an investigation that "state Republicans, flooding victim advocates and dam safety experts" criticized, concerned that the state's environmental agency would essentially be investigating itself.{{cite news|url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/michigan-should-have-protected-public-unsafe-edenville-dam-experts-say|title=Michigan should have protected public from unsafe Edenville Dam, experts say|first=Riley|last=Beggin|website=Bridge Michigan|date=May 31, 2020|access-date=June 2, 2020|archive-date=June 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608122717/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/michigan-should-have-protected-public-unsafe-edenville-dam-experts-say|url-status=live}} Guidelines from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials advocate independent investigators. An inquiry launched by the United States House of Representatives later gave the EGLE and FERC a two-week deadline for answers.{{cite news|url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/congress-launches-probe-michigan-federal-oversight-failed-midland-dam|title=Congress launches probe of Michigan, federal oversight of failed Midland dam|first=Riley|last=Beggin|website=Bridge Michigan|date=June 2, 2020|access-date=June 2, 2020|archive-date=April 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406223415/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/congress-launches-probe-michigan-federal-oversight-failed-midland-dam|url-status=live}}

After the 2022 Michigan elections, Democrats took control of the Senate and House of Representatives, allowing Whitmer greater control of her legislative agenda. In her January 2023 State of the State address, she called for repeal of the state's retirement tax; an increase in the state earned income tax credit from 6% to 30%, universal pre-kindergarten; investment in renewable energy such as wind and solar power; a repeal of Michigan's now defunct 1931 abortion ban; increasing education spending, and stricter gun laws, such as universal background checks and a ban on 3D printed guns; the addition of sexual identity and gender identity protections to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act; and further investment in manufacturing.{{Cite news |first1=Mara |last1=MacDonald |first2=Brandon |last2=Carr |access-date=August 18, 2023 |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Governor Whitmer unvieled new plan for Michigan during State of the State address |work=WDIV-TV |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/01/26/governor-whitmer-unvieled-new-plan-for-michigan-during-state-of-the-state-address/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317040936/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/01/26/governor-whitmer-unvieled-new-plan-for-michigan-during-state-of-the-state-address/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan}}

File:President Joe Biden visits Kalamazoo, Michigan (02).jpg tour a Pfizer manufacturing plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan, February 2021.]]

In March 2020, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitmer issued a stay-at-home order.{{cite news |last1=Egan |first1=Paul |last2=Gray |first2=Kathleen |title=Gov. Whitmer says Capitol protesters put others at risk, may have worsened pandemic |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/04/15/gretchen-whitmer-protest-michigan-capitol-coronavirus/5136070002/ |access-date=April 17, 2020 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=April 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416161413/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/04/15/gretchen-whitmer-protest-michigan-capitol-coronavirus/5136070002/ |url-status=live }}[https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/06/02/michigan-stay-at-home-order-timeline-70-days-4-extensions-ever-changing-restrictions/ Michigan stay-at-home order timeline: 70 days, 4 extensions, ever-changing restriction] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612064514/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/06/02/michigan-stay-at-home-order-timeline-70-days-4-extensions-ever-changing-restrictions/ |date=June 12, 2024 }}, WDIV-TV (June 2, 2020). She extended Michigan's stay-at-home order several times before lifting it on June 1, 2020, when she moved the state to "phase four" of her reopening plan. In April 2020, right-wing groups such as the Michigan Conservative Coalition and Michigan Freedom Fund organized an eight-hour protest against the restrictions.{{cite news |last1=LeBlanc |first1=Beth |last2=Mauger |first2=Craig |title=Whitmer to protesters: Rally will 'come at cost to people's health' |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/15/stay-home-protest-michigan-capitol-opposition-whitmer-order-coronavirus/2989230001/ |access-date=April 17, 2020 |newspaper=Detroit News |date=April 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416221301/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/15/stay-home-protest-michigan-capitol-opposition-whitmer-order-coronavirus/2989230001/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/lock-her-anti-whitmer-coronavirus-lockdown-protestors-swarm-michigan-capitol-n1184426|title='Lock her up!': Anti-Whitmer coronavirus lockdown protestors swarm Michigan Capitol|first=Allan|last=Smith|work=NBC News|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=April 15, 2020|archive-date=May 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501210809/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/lock-her-anti-whitmer-coronavirus-lockdown-protestors-swarm-michigan-capitol-n1184426|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Jason |title=The rightwing groups behind wave of protests against Covid-19 restrictions |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/far-right-coronavirus-protests-restrictions |access-date=April 18, 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=April 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418010447/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/far-right-coronavirus-protests-restrictions |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Gabbatt |first1=Adam |title=Thousands of Americans backed by rightwing donors gear up for protests |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/18/coronavirus-americans-protest-stay-at-home |access-date=April 18, 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=April 18, 2020 |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628213819/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/18/coronavirus-americans-protest-stay-at-home |url-status=live }} Between 3,000 and 4,000 protesters gathered at the Michigan State Capitol.{{cite web|last=Gibbons|first=Lauren|url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/04/thousands-converge-at-michigan-capitol-to-protest-coronavirus-stay-at-home-order-whitmer-warns-it-will-put-more-people-at-risk.html|title=Thousands converge at Michigan Capitol to protest coronavirus stay-at-home order, Whitmer warns it will 'put more people at risk'|website=MLive.com|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=April 23, 2020|archive-date=May 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513002054/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/04/thousands-converge-at-michigan-capitol-to-protest-coronavirus-stay-at-home-order-whitmer-warns-it-will-put-more-people-at-risk.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/15/michigan-coronavirus-protest-stay-home-order-gretchen-whitmer|title=Protesters chant 'lock her up' after Michigan governor's stay-at-home order|work=The Guardian|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=April 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415233449/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/15/michigan-coronavirus-protest-stay-home-order-gretchen-whitmer|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/04/15/lansing-capitol-protest-michigan-stay-home-order/5139472002/|title=Thousands converge to protest Michigan governor's stay-home order in 'Operation Gridlock'|first1=Paul|last1=Egan|first2=Kara|last2=Berg|newspaper=USA Today|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=April 15, 2020|archive-date=April 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416010703/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/04/15/lansing-capitol-protest-michigan-stay-home-order/5139472002/|url-status=live}} New York Times columnist Charlie Warzel called the protest "twisted, paranoid and racialized", pushed by conspiracy theorists such as Alex Jones.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/19/opinion/coronavirus-trump-protests.html|title=Protesting for the Freedom to Catch the Coronavirus|author1=Warzel, Charlie|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 19, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112849/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/19/opinion/coronavirus-trump-protests.html|url-status=live}} Polling in March and April 2020 found that the majority of Michiganders approved of Whitmer's actions to combat the pandemic.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/03/poll-michigan-residents-fear-economic-impact-from-coronavirus-but-support-whitmers-response.html |title=Poll: Michigan residents fear economic impact from coronavirus but support Whitmer's response |work=Mlive.com |date=March 26, 2020 |first=Malachi |last=Barrett |access-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606133255/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/03/poll-michigan-residents-fear-economic-impact-from-coronavirus-but-support-whitmers-response.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/michigan-residents-approve-of-whitmers-handling-of-covid-19-over-trumps-new-poll-shows|title=Michigan residents approve of Whitmer's handling of COVID-19 over Trump's, new poll shows|date=April 20, 2020|website=FOX 2 Detroit|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407120523/https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/michigan-residents-approve-of-whitmers-handling-of-covid-19-over-trumps-new-poll-shows|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |first=Beth |last=LeBlanc |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/04/20/poll-michiganians-favor-whitmer-covid-19-handling-over-trump/5164340002/ |date=April 20, 2020 |title=Poll: Michiganians favor Whitmer's COVID-19 handling over Trump's |newspaper=The Detroit News |access-date=April 29, 2020 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406223359/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/04/20/poll-michiganians-favor-whitmer-covid-19-handling-over-trump/5164340002/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.newsweek.com/majority-michigan-residents-support-governor-whitmers-coronavirus-response-despite-anti-lockdown-1499011 |first=Jason |last=Lemon |title=Majority of Michigan residents support Governor Whitmer's coronavirus response, despite anti-lockdown protests, poll shows |work=Newsweek |date=April 20, 2020 |access-date=June 3, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407201155/https://www.newsweek.com/majority-michigan-residents-support-governor-whitmers-coronavirus-response-despite-anti-lockdown-1499011 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/michiganders-approve-of-whitmer-on-coronavirus-despite-protests-poll-2020-4 |date=April 20, 2020 |title=Despite high-profile protests, Michiganders overwhelmingly approve of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's handling of the coronavirus |first=Grace |last=Panetta |website=Business Insider |access-date=April 29, 2020 |archive-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627221810/https://www.businessinsider.com/michiganders-approve-of-whitmer-on-coronavirus-despite-protests-poll-2020-4 |url-status=live }} At the time of the protest, more than 1,900 people in Michigan had died after contracting the virus.

In April 2020, a Michigan judge rejected a legal challenge to Whitmer's stay-at-home order, holding that the state had the power to protect the public health against "a highly communicable and deadly virus" and that the order did not infringe upon constitutional rights.{{cite news |first=Taylor |last=DesOrmeau |access-date=March 9, 2023 |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/04/judge-rules-michigan-stay-at-home-order-doesnt-infringe-on-constitutional-rights.html |title=Judge rules Michigan stay-at-home order doesn't infringe on constitutional rights |work=MLive.com |date=April 29, 2020 |archive-date=May 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510084710/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/04/judge-rules-michigan-stay-at-home-order-doesnt-infringe-on-constitutional-rights.html |url-status=live }}

After the stay-at-home order was lifted on June 1, 2020, certain other COVID-19-related measures, such as capacity limits, remained in place, until Whitmer lifted all restrictions on June 22, 2021, citing a reduction in COVID-19 cases and the availability of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.Michael Thomas & Adam Fisher, [https://www.wlns.com/news/all-michigan-covid-19-restrictions-lifted-today/ All Michigan COVID-19 restrictions lifted today] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612065327/https://www.wlns.com/news/all-michigan-covid-19-restrictions-lifted-today/ |date=June 12, 2024 }}, WLNS-TV (June 22, 2021).

In May 2021, Whitmer apologized after being photographed with a large group of unmasked people, with no social distancing, at a restaurant in East Lansing.{{Cite web |last=Egan |first=Paul |title=Whitmer apologizes after violating social distancing rules at East Lansing bar |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2021/05/23/whitmer-violating-social-distancing-rules-landshark-bar-grill/5234473001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524153741/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2021/05/23/whitmer-violating-social-distancing-rules-landshark-bar-grill/5234473001/ |date=May 23, 2021 |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2021 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=DeMarche |first=Edmund |date=May 23, 2021 |title=Michigan's Whitmer apologizes after photo emerges on social media |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/michigans-whitmer-apologizes-after-photo-emerges-on-social-media |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524153608/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/michigans-whitmer-apologizes-after-photo-emerges-on-social-media |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2021 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=May 24, 2021 |title=Whitmer Apologizes After Restaurant Photo Shows Her Breaking COVID Rules |url=https://www.newsweek.com/gretchen-whitmer-apology-restaurant-breaking-social-distancing-1594054 |first=James |last=Walker |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=Newsweek |language=en |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106024351/https://www.newsweek.com/gretchen-whitmer-apology-restaurant-breaking-social-distancing-1594054 |url-status=live }} The restaurant was violating state-mandated social distancing guidelines that restricted indoor dining to six people per table.{{Cite web |first=Wilson |last=Wong |title=Mich. Gov. Whitmer apologizes for violating indoor dining restrictions |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-apologizes-after-violating-indoor-dining-restrictions-n1268302 |access-date=May 24, 2021 |website=NBC News |date=May 24, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=May 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524120055/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-apologizes-after-violating-indoor-dining-restrictions-n1268302 |url-status=live }}

Whitmer's COVID-19-related orders in the early days of the pandemic, from March through September 2020, were issued under the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act.[https://www.abc12.com/news/state/michigan-house-approves-final-end-of-emergency-powers-of-the-governor-act/article_652da31c-5377-5efd-952a-5c1ad43c3b93.html Michigan House approves final end of Emergency Powers of the Governor Act] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612064224/https://www.abc12.com/news/state/michigan-house-approves-final-end-of-emergency-powers-of-the-governor-act/article_652da31c-5377-5efd-952a-5c1ad43c3b93.html |date=June 12, 2024 }}, WJRT-TV (July 21, 2021). Republicans criticized her use of the law, and the legislature passed legislation to repeal it; she vetoed the repeal in December 2020. The law thus remained on the books, but was unenforceable due to an October 2020 decision by the Michigan Supreme Court, which ruled 4–3 that the 1945 act was unconstitutional because it allowed "the governor to declare emergencies and keep them in place without legislative input" and unanimously ruled that the 1976 Emergency Management Act "did not give Whitmer the power, after April 30, to issue or renew any executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic after 28 days without Legislative approval".{{cite news |last1=LeBlanc |first1=Beth |last2=Mauger |first2=Craig |last3=Burke |first3=Melissa Nann |title=High court strikes down Whitmer's emergency powers; gov vows to use other means |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/02/michigan-supreme-court-strikes-down-gretchen-whitmers-emergency-powers/5863340002/ |newspaper=The Detroit News |date=October 2, 2020 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331181927/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/02/michigan-supreme-court-strikes-down-gretchen-whitmers-emergency-powers/5863340002/ |url-status=live }} On the same day, a group called "Unlock Michigan" turned in 460,000 valid citizen signatures to the Michigan Secretary of State's Office, seeking to trigger an initiative to repeal the 1945 act.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/10/unlock-michigan-turns-in-539k-signatures-to-limit-gov-whitmers-emergency-powers.html |title=Unlock Michigan turns in 539k signatures to limit Gov. Whitmer's emergency powers |first=Emily |last=Lawler |work=MLive.com |date=October 2, 2020 |access-date=October 3, 2020 |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306044743/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/10/unlock-michigan-turns-in-539k-signatures-to-limit-gov-whitmers-emergency-powers.html |url-status=live }} In July 2021, the legislature voted to approve the citizen initiative. Under state law, Whitmer could not veto this step, and the repeal took effect.

File:P20220309CS-0335_(52017819729).jpg for a roundtable discussion on the bipartisan Innovation Act, March 2022]]

In February 2020, Whitmer was selected to deliver the Democratic response to the State of the Union address by then President Donald Trump. Michigan was considered a swing state in the 2020 United States presidential election, and it was speculated that Democrats hoped selecting Whitmer would bolster their chance of winning the state.{{cite news |last1=Lawler |first1=Emily |last2=Barrett |first2=Michael |title=5 things to know about Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as she takes the national stage |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2020/02/5-things-to-know-about-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-as-she-takes-the-national-stage.html |access-date=February 4, 2020 |publisher=Michigan Live |date=February 4, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627214137/https://www.mlive.com/news/2020/02/5-things-to-know-about-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-as-she-takes-the-national-stage.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Mitch |title=Democrats Turn to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan for Trump State of the Union Response |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union.html |access-date=February 4, 2020 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 4, 2020 |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516141441/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union.html |url-status=live }}

In early March, days before the 2020 Michigan Democratic presidential primary, Whitmer endorsed Joe Biden, and joined his campaign as a national co-chair.{{cite web |last1=Mauger |first1=Craig |title=Gov. Whitmer endorses Biden for president, becomes a campaign chair |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/05/whitmer-endorses-biden-president/4961762002/ |newspaper=The Detroit News |access-date=January 12, 2021 |date=March 5, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112825/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/05/whitmer-endorses-biden-president/4961762002/ |url-status=live }}

In 2020, amid her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as after tweets in which Trump attacked her and dismissed her as "the woman in Michigan", Whitmer changed the wording to the more specific "that woman in Michigan" in speeches and on T-shirts, gaining a greater national profile as Trump's original wording was forgotten.{{cite web |last1=Alberta |first1=Tim |title='The Woman in Michigan' Goes National |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/04/09/gretchen-whitmer-governor-michigan-profile-2020-coronavirus-biden-vp-177791 |website=Politico |access-date=January 12, 2021 |language=en |date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=July 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716143744/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/04/09/gretchen-whitmer-governor-michigan-profile-2020-coronavirus-biden-vp-177791 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Lawler |first=Emily |title=Gretchen Whitmer is a national figure now. What you need to know about 'The woman in Michigan' |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/05/gretchen-whitmer-is-a-national-figure-now-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-woman-in-michigan.html |website=MLive.com |access-date=January 12, 2021 |language=en |date=May 4, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407201156/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/05/gretchen-whitmer-is-a-national-figure-now-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-woman-in-michigan.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Mauger |first1=Craig |last2=Spangler |first2=Todd |title=Through praise and criticism, national spotlight stays fixed on Whitmer |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/05/19/through-praise-and-criticism-national-spotlight-fixed-whitmer/5202711002/ |newspaper=The Detroit News |access-date=January 12, 2021 |date=April 26, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407201159/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/05/19/through-praise-and-criticism-national-spotlight-fixed-whitmer/5202711002/ |url-status=live }} Cecily Strong portrayed Whitmer on Saturday Night Live episodes in May 2020{{cite web |last=Schaffstall |first=Katherine |title=Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Cecily Strong 'SNL' Impression |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-cecily-strong-snl-impression-1295139 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=January 12, 2021 |language=en |date=May 19, 2020 |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226044652/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-cecily-strong-snl-impression-1295139 |url-status=live }} and February 2021.{{cite web |last=Kelly |first=Dane |title=Cecily Strong's take on Gov. Whitmer returns to Saturday Night Live |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2021/02/28/cecily-strongs-take-on-gov-whitmer-returns-to-saturday-night-live/ |work=WDIV-TV |access-date=February 28, 2021 |language=en |date=February 28, 2021 |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228052718/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2021/02/28/cecily-strongs-take-on-gov-whitmer-returns-to-saturday-night-live/ |url-status=live }}

Whitmer was vetted by Biden's team as a potential running mate during the 2020 Democratic Party vice presidential candidate selection; Biden confirmed she was on his shortlist in March.{{cite web |last=Mahler |first=Jonathan |title=A Governor on Her Own, With Everything at Stake |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/magazine/gretchen-whitmer-coronavirus-michigan.html |newspaper=The New York Times Magazine |access-date=January 12, 2021 |date=June 25, 2020 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111024308/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/magazine/gretchen-whitmer-coronavirus-michigan.html |url-status=live }} Michigan's status as a key swing state was seen as boosting her prospects of being selected.{{cite web |last=Mauger |first=Craig |title=Through praise and criticism, national spotlight stays fixed on Whitmer |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/05/19/through-praise-and-criticism-national-spotlight-fixed-whitmer/5202711002/ |newspaper=The Detroit News |access-date=January 12, 2021 |date=May 18, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407201159/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/05/19/through-praise-and-criticism-national-spotlight-fixed-whitmer/5202711002/ |url-status=live }} The New York Times reported that she was one of four finalists for the position along with Kamala Harris, Susan Rice, and Elizabeth Warren;{{Cite news|last1=Burns|first1=Alexander|last2=Martin|first2=Jonathan|last3=Glueck|first3=Katie|date=August 13, 2020|title=How Biden Chose Harris: A Search That Forged New Stars, Friends and Rivalries|language=en-US|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/13/us/politics/biden-harris.html|access-date=August 15, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820200637/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/13/us/politics/biden-harris.html|url-status=live}} Harris was selected.{{Cite web |last1=Zeleny |first1=Jeff |first2=Dan |last2=Merica |first3=Arlette |last3=Saenz |title=Joe Biden picks Kamala Harris as his running mate |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/11/politics/biden-vp-pick/index.html |access-date=August 11, 2020 |website=CNN |date=August 11, 2020 |archive-date=October 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023121731/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/11/politics/biden-vp-pick/index.html |url-status=live }} According to some reports, Whitmer removed herself from consideration, urging Biden to choose a Black woman instead.{{cite web |last1=Mishra |first1=Stuti |title=Gretchen Whitmer turns down prospect of Biden cabinet role |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-2020/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-biden-cabinet-b1716615.html |website=The Independent |language=en |date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527200347/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-2020/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-biden-cabinet-b1716615.html |url-status=live }} Whitmer's consideration for the position further elevated her national stature.

In her speech to the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Whitmer praised Biden's work in rescuing the Michigan auto industry and criticized Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |last=Barrett |first=Malachi |title=Read Gretchen Whitmer's full speech from the 2020 Democratic National Convention |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/08/read-gretchen-whitmers-full-speech-from-the-2020-democratic-national-convention.html |website=MLive.com |access-date=January 12, 2021 |language=en |date=August 19, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112827/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/08/read-gretchen-whitmers-full-speech-from-the-2020-democratic-national-convention.html |url-status=live }} Whitmer was seen as having strong prospects of being offered a position in Biden's cabinet. On January 9, 2021, she said she was not interested in leaving her role as governor.

Whitmer co-chaired Biden's inaugural committee,{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2023 |title=Gov. Whitmer named co-chair of Biden's reelection campaign |url=https://wwmt.com/news/state/gov-whitmer-named-co-chair-of-bidens-reelection-campaign |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=WWMT |language=en |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703011942/https://wwmt.com/news/state/gov-whitmer-named-co-chair-of-bidens-reelection-campaign |url-status=live }} and in early January 2021, then-President-elect Biden nominated her as a vice chair candidate for the Democratic National Committee;{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Ken |date=January 14, 2021 |title=Biden Taps Jaime Harrison, Former Senate Candidate, to Lead DNC |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-to-tap-jaime-harrison-former-senate-candidate-to-lead-dnc-11610649160 |access-date=January 14, 2021 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114184342/https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-to-tap-jaime-harrison-former-senate-candidate-to-lead-dnc-11610649160 |url-status=live }} the committee elected Whitmer and the rest of the slate of candidates on January 20 unopposed.{{cite web |last=Merica |first=Dan |title=Jaime Harrison officially elected Democratic National Committee chair |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/21/politics/jaime-harrison-dnc-chair/index.html |website=CNN.com |date=January 21, 2021 |access-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319114623/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/21/politics/jaime-harrison-dnc-chair/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Governor Gretchen Whitmer |url=https://democrats.org/governor-gretchen-whitmer/ |website=Democrats |access-date=March 14, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426075852/https://democrats.org/governor-gretchen-whitmer/ |url-status=live }}

After her 2022 reelection, Whitmer was considered a possible presidential candidate in the event that Biden did not run for a second term in 2024.{{Cite news |last=Bruni |first=Frank |date=November 10, 2022 |title=Opinion: Biden Is No Sure Thing for 2024. What About Buttigieg? Harris? Even Whitmer? |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/10/opinion/biden-democrat-2024.html |access-date=July 3, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703011942/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/10/opinion/biden-democrat-2024.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |date=June 15, 2023 |title=The Spartan: Why Gretchen Whitmer Has What It Takes for a White House Run |first=Jennifer |last=Palmieri |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/06/gretchen-whitmer-white-house-run |access-date=July 3, 2023 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US |archive-date=July 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704123046/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/06/gretchen-whitmer-white-house-run |url-status=live }} Writing for The Bulwark, A. B. Stoddard expressed support for a Whitmer presidential bid in 2024 with Senator Raphael Warnock as her running mate.{{Cite web |last=Stoddard |first=A. B. |title=To Beat Trump, Democrats Need a Whitmer-Warnock Ticket |url=https://www.thebulwark.com/p/to-beat-trump-democrats-need-whitmer-warnock |access-date=June 22, 2024 |website=www.thebulwark.com |language=en |archive-date=June 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622201828/https://www.thebulwark.com/p/to-beat-trump-democrats-need-whitmer-warnock |url-status=live }} In response to these speculations, Whitmer affirmed repeatedly that she would not run for president, intending to serve a full second term as governor.{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2022 |title=Whitmer says she won't run for president in 2024 if Biden chooses not to run |url=https://www.wxyz.com/news/democracy-2022/whitmer-says-she-wont-run-for-president-in-2024-if-biden-chooses-not-to-run |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit |language=en |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023152502/https://www.wxyz.com/news/democracy-2022/whitmer-says-she-wont-run-for-president-in-2024-if-biden-chooses-not-to-run |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine|first=Mark |last=Leibovich |author-link=Mark Leibovich|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/06/gretchen-whitmer-media-spotlight/674480/|title=Why Not Whitmer?|magazine=The Atlantic|date=June 22, 2023|access-date=June 12, 2024|archive-date=June 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612065727/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/06/gretchen-whitmer-media-spotlight/674480/|url-status=live}} On April 25, 2023, Whitmer was named co-chair of Biden's reelection campaign. On June 12, she launched the Fight Like Hell PAC in an effort to boost Democrats running for federal office in 2024.{{Cite web |last=Manchester |first=Julia |date=June 12, 2023 |title=Whitmer launches PAC supporting federal Democrats ahead of 2024 |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4044905-whitmer-launches-pac-supporting-federal-democrats-ahead-of-2024/ |access-date=October 4, 2023 |website=The Hill |language=en-US |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215001630/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4044905-whitmer-launches-pac-supporting-federal-democrats-ahead-of-2024/ |url-status=live }} In December, the PAC endorsed its first slate of candidates, causing further speculation about a presidential bid.{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2023 |title=Gretchen Whitmer flexes national muscle with 2024 House endorsements |first=Julia |last=Johnson |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/gov-gretchen-whitmer-2024-house-endorsements |access-date=December 15, 2023 |website=Washington Examiner |language=en |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215001630/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/gov-gretchen-whitmer-2024-house-endorsements |url-status=live }} In 2023, Whitmer declined to speak directly with Representative Dean Phillips regarding his effort to try to convince her to enter the Democratic Party presidential primary race to oppose Biden.{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Madison |title=A congressman tried to get the governors of Michigan and Illinois to run against Biden in the Democratic primary, but they wouldn't directly take his calls |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/the-governors-of-illinois-and-michigan-ignored-dean-phillips-calls-2023-10 |publisher=Business Insider |access-date=December 7, 2024 |date=October 31, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Alberta |first1=Tim |title=Dean Phillips Has a Warning for Democrats |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/10/dean-phillips-joe-biden-2024-primary/675784/ |access-date=January 24, 2025 |date=October 27, 2023 |publisher=The Atlantic}} In a speech in Washington D.C. in March 2024, Whitmer hinted at running for president in 2028, saying, "See you in 2029."{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/gov-whitmer-gives-a-wink-during-washington-speech-see-you-in-2029.html|title=Gov. Whitmer gives a wink during Washington speech: 'See you in 2029'|date=March 18, 2024|access-date=March 18, 2024|website=mlive.com|author=Durr, Matt|archive-date=March 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318150927/https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/gov-whitmer-gives-a-wink-during-washington-speech-see-you-in-2029.html|url-status=live}} After Biden withdrew his candidacy in July 2024, she announced that she would not seek the Democratic nomination, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign.{{Cite news |last=Shear |first=Michael D. |date=July 21, 2024 |title=Live Updates: Biden Drops Out of Presidential Race, Endorses Harris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/07/21/us/biden-drops-out-election |access-date=July 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last1=Gamio |first1=Lazaro |last2=Keefe |first2=John |last3=Kim |first3=June |last4=McFadden |first4=Alyce |last5=Park |first5=Andrew |last6=Yourish |first6=Karen |date=July 22, 2024 |title=Many Elected Democrats Quickly Endorsed Kamala Harris. See Who Did. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/07/22/us/politics/kamala-harris-democrats-endorsement-list.html |access-date=July 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} She also said she would not accept an offer to be Harris's running mate.{{Cite web|url=https://x.com/WLNS/status/1815413789312897231|title=x.com}}

{{main|Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot}}

On October 8, 2020, a federal indictment against six men associated with the Wolverine Watchmen, a Michigan-based militia group, was unsealed. The indictment charges the men with plotting to kidnap Whitmer and violently overthrow Michigan's government.{{Cite news |last1=Bogel-Burroughs |first1=Nicholas |last2=Dewan |first2=Shaila |last3=Gray |first3=Kathleen |date=October 8, 2020 |title=F.B.I. Says Michigan Militia Plotted to Kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer |language=en-US |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/us/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-militia.html |access-date=October 8, 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008163052/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/us/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-militia.html |url-status=live }} The FBI became aware of the scheme in early 2020 after communications among the far-right group were discovered, and via an undercover agent who met with more than a dozen individuals at a meeting in Dublin, Ohio.{{Cite web |last1=Snell |first1=Robert |last2=Burke |first2=Melissa Nann |title=Feds say they thwarted militia plot to kidnap Whitmer |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/08/feds-thwart-militia-plot-kidnap-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer/5922301002/ |access-date=October 8, 2020 |newspaper=The Detroit News |date=October 8, 2020 |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008162222/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/08/feds-thwart-militia-plot-kidnap-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer/5922301002/ |url-status=live }} Another seven men were charged with state crimes in relation to the plot.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc12.com/2020/10/08/fbi-thwarted-militia-plot-to-kidnap-whitmer-overthrow-state-government/|title=FBI thwarted militia plot to kidnap Whitmer, overthrow state government|publisher=WJRT-TV|date=October 8, 2020|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013124507/https://www.abc12.com/2020/10/08/fbi-thwarted-militia-plot-to-kidnap-whitmer-overthrow-state-government/|url-status=dead}} Facebook is cooperating with the investigation, since the federal criminal complaint detailed how the group used a private Facebook group to discuss the alleged plot.{{Cite web |last1=Rocha |first1=Veronica |last2=Macaya |first2=Melissa |last3=Wagner |first3=Meg |date=October 8, 2020 |title=Facebook cooperating with FBI in Michigan investigation, company says |url=https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/fbi-plot-michigan-governor/h_107717db4f929e29663318307676847e |access-date=October 8, 2020 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407204626/https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/fbi-plot-michigan-governor/h_107717db4f929e29663318307676847e |url-status=live }}

In the wake of the unsealed indictment, Whitmer, in a livestream, thanked the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. She called the plotters "sick and depraved men" and blamed Trump for refusing to explicitly condemn far-right groups and for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/08/politics/fbi-plot-michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer/index.html |title=13 charged in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer |publisher=CNN |last1=Carrega |first1=Christina |last2=Stracqualursi |first2=Veronica |last3=Campbell |first3=Josh |date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108104544/https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/08/politics/fbi-plot-michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/520255-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-responds-to-kidnapping-plot-says-trump |title=Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer responds to kidnapping plot, says Trump 'complicit' in stoking extremists |work=The Hill |last=Choi |first=Joseph |date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=October 8, 2020 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011940/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/520255-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-responds-to-kidnapping-plot-says-trump |url-status=live }} In April 2022, two men (Harris and Caserta) were acquitted on all charges on grounds of entrapment by federal authorities.{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/04/08/1091748401/whitmer-kidnapping-verdicts-michigan-governor |agency=Associated Press |access-date=August 18, 2023 |title=2 men are acquitted in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer; hung jury on 2 more |website=NPR |date=April 8, 2022 }} In August 2022, two others (Fox and Barry Croft Jr.) were convicted of conspiracy to kidnap. In October 2022, three others (Morrison, Musico, and Bellar) were convicted of providing material support for a terrorist act. Additionally, Garbin and Franks pleaded guilty.{{Cite web |date=October 26, 2022 |title=Trio Convicted On All Charges For Supporting Plot To Kidnap Gov. Whitmer |first=Ed |last=White |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trio-convicted-on-all-charges-for-supporting-plot-to-kidnap-gov-whitmer_n_6359503ce4b04cf8f38a2a77 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=HuffPost |language=en |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026154105/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trio-convicted-on-all-charges-for-supporting-plot-to-kidnap-gov-whitmer_n_6359503ce4b04cf8f38a2a77 |url-status=live }}

Whitmer describes herself as a progressive Democrat who can work with legislators with different political perspectives.

{{see also|Abortion in Michigan|Abortion in the United States}}

File:Kamala Harris 2024 - 33.jpg, and Representative Hillary Scholten at a roundtable discussion in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the topic of reproductive rights for women, February 2024]]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-abortion groups criticized Whitmer for allowing abortion procedures to continue in Michigan.{{Cite news |url=https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/20/gov-whitmer-comment-abortion-life-sustaining/5166518002/ |title=Anti-abortion groups criticize Whitmer's quip that abortion 'life-sustaining' |first1=Beth |last1=LeBlanc |date=April 20, 2020 |access-date=September 13, 2021 |newspaper=The Detroit News |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628213818/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/20/gov-whitmer-comment-abortion-life-sustaining/5166518002/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2021, Whitmer began working with the state legislature to repeal a 90-year-old law that banned abortion in Michigan, so as to preserve abortion rights in the state in case Roe v. Wade was overturned.{{cite web | last=Bradner | first=Eric | url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/25/politics/whitmer-dixon-debate-michigan-governor-takeaways/index.html | title=4 takeaways from the Michigan governor debate between Gretchen Whitmer and Tudor Dixon | website=CNN | date=October 25, 2022 | access-date=December 24, 2023 | archive-date=December 24, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224071512/https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/25/politics/whitmer-dixon-debate-michigan-governor-takeaways/index.html | url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-urges-repeal-90-year-old-law-banning-abortion-1626869|title=Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer Urges Repeal of 90-Year-Old Law Banning Abortion|date=September 7, 2021|access-date=September 13, 2021|first1=Andre J.|last1=Ellington|work=Newsweek|archive-date=September 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912223156/https://www.newsweek.com/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-urges-repeal-90-year-old-law-banning-abortion-1626869|url-status=live}} After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, it was unclear whether Michigan's 1931 statute criminalizing abortion procedures and drugs was operative.{{Cite web |last=Kekatos |first=Mary |title=Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs bill repealing 1931 abortion ban |date=April 5, 2023 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-signs-bill-repealing-1931/story?id=98376761 |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405175239/https://abcnews.go.com/US/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-signs-bill-repealing-1931/story?id=98376761 |url-status=live }} In April 2023, Whitmer signed a bill repealing the 1931 ban, ensuring abortion access in Michigan.

Whitmer strongly supported 2022 Michigan Proposal 3, a ballot proposal that amended the Michigan Constitution to include the right to reproductive freedom, which the measure defined as "the right to make and effectuate decisions about all matters relating to pregnancy, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management and infertility care." The proposal was approved by a wide margin in the 2022 election. Abortion is legal at all stages of pregnancy in Michigan.

Whitmer is in favor of using corporate incentives to attract business and manufacturing to Michigan. On December 20, 2021, she signed House Bill 4603, a bipartisan measure that created a $1 billion economic development fund to attract manufacturers to Michigan.{{Cite web |last=Coleman |first=Ken |date=December 20, 2021 |title=Whitmer signs $1.5B business incentive plan alongside GOP leaders |url=https://michiganadvance.com/2021/12/20/whitmer-signs-1-5b-business-incentive-plan-alongside-gop-leaders/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=Michigan Advance |language=en-US |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025040050/https://michiganadvance.com/2021/12/20/whitmer-signs-1-5b-business-incentive-plan-alongside-gop-leaders/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author1-last=LeBlanc |author1-first=Beth |author2-first=Craig |author2-last= Mauger| title=Michigan lawmakers approve $1.5B incentive plan with 4 potential projects looming |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2021/12/14/michigan-lawmakers-economic-incentive-plan-business/8897225002/ |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025040112/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2021/12/14/michigan-lawmakers-economic-incentive-plan-business/8897225002/ |url-status=live }}

Whitmer strongly supports the proposed industrial "megasite" in Marshall, Michigan, where a major electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility is planned, and approved of $1.8 billion in state incentives for the purchase and preparation of the site.{{Cite web|title=Despite Ford pause, Michigan OKs another $65M for Marshall EV megasite|url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/despite-ford-pause-michigan-oks-another-65m-marshall-ev-megasite|date=September 26, 2023|author=Jonathan Oosting|work=BridgeMI|access-date=June 12, 2024|archive-date=June 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612071114/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/despite-ford-pause-michigan-oks-another-65m-marshall-ev-megasite|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Marshall megasite still under construction. Just not by Ford.|date=September 30, 2023|work=Detroit Free Press|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/30/marshall-megasite-ford-strike-evs-pause-construction-whitmer/71006526007/|access-date=June 12, 2024|archive-date=September 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930162726/https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/30/marshall-megasite-ford-strike-evs-pause-construction-whitmer/71006526007/|url-status=live}}

{{see also|Cannabis in Michigan|Legalization of non-medical cannabis in the United States}}

In 2018, as a candidate for governor, Whitmer spoke at Hash Bash to endorse Proposal 1 to legalize recreational cannabis in Michigan.{{cite news |last=Stanton |first=Ryan |title=2018 Hash Bash marijuana rally draws thousands in Ann Arbor |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2018/04/2018_hash_bash_marijuana_rally.html |access-date=June 1, 2021 |work=MLive.com |date=April 7, 2018 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215532/https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2018/04/2018_hash_bash_marijuana_rally.html |url-status=live }} She said she had supported legalizing cannabis "before it was politically fashionable" and pledged to legalize and regulate it to increase revenue for road repairs and prevent children from accessing it.{{cite news |last1=Gray |first1=Kathleen |title=With marijuana legalization likely on ballot, Hash Bash becomes a call to action |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/2018/04/07/marijuana-legalization-ballot-hash-bash/494717002/ |access-date=June 1, 2021 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=April 7, 2018 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215339/https://www.freep.com/story/news/2018/04/07/marijuana-legalization-ballot-hash-bash/494717002/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Jordyn |title=On the Daily: El-Sayed and Whitmer hash out campaign differences, support marijuana legislation |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/news-briefs/daily-abdul-and-whitmer-hash-out-differences-support-marijuana-legislation/ |access-date=June 1, 2021 |work=The Michigan Daily |date=April 8, 2018 |archive-date=June 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601151610/https://www.michigandaily.com/news-briefs/daily-abdul-and-whitmer-hash-out-differences-support-marijuana-legislation/ |url-status=live }} In 2019, as governor, she reappeared at Hash Bash via video message to celebrate the legalization of recreational cannabis in Michigan, saying, "We worked hard, we got it done."{{cite news |last1=Siacon |first1=Aleanna |title=Debbie Dingell speaks at Hash Bash 2019, first since recreational marijuana legalized |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/marijuana/2019/04/06/debbie-dingell-speaks-hash-bash-2019-ann-arbor/3386479002/ |access-date=June 1, 2021 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=April 6, 2019 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215341/https://www.freep.com/story/news/marijuana/2019/04/06/debbie-dingell-speaks-hash-bash-2019-ann-arbor/3386479002/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Jaeger |first1=Kyle |title=Michigan Governor Celebrates Marijuana Legalization In Video For Hash Bash Event |url=https://www.marijuanamoment.net/michigan-governor-celebrates-marijuana-legalization-in-video-for-hash-bash-event/ |access-date=June 1, 2021 |work=Marijuana Moment |date=April 5, 2019 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214029/https://www.marijuanamoment.net/michigan-governor-celebrates-marijuana-legalization-in-video-for-hash-bash-event/ |url-status=live }}

Whitmer has said she would like to phase in full-day universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds in Michigan. She eliminated Michigan's third-grade "read-or-flunk" policy, which she says penalizes students the education system has failed; she wants to work to improve their reading skills. She proposes that all high school students be offered two years of debt-free higher education, either college or post-secondary training for skilled trades.{{cite news |first=Ron |last=French |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/what-michigan-schools-will-look-under-governor-whitmer-or-schuette |title=What Michigan schools will look like under Governor Whitmer or Schuette |work=Bridge Michigan |date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706221627/https://www.bridgemi.com/public-sector/what-michigan-schools-will-look-under-governor-whitmer-or-schuette |url-status=live }}

Whitmer established the Michigan Reconnect program passed with bipartisan support in 2019 after first proposing the program in her State of the State speech as part of her "60 by 30" goal to address workforce talent shortages: having 60% of working-age adults in Michigan with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030.{{Cite web |first=Chad |last=Livengood |date=February 12, 2019 |title=State of the State: Whitmer calls for 60% higher ed goal by 2030 |url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/government/state-state-whitmer-calls-60-higher-ed-goal-2030 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Crain's Detroit Business |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126150700/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/government/state-state-whitmer-calls-60-higher-ed-goal-2030 |url-status=live }} The program allows any Michigander 25 or older without a college degree to enroll tuition-free in an associate degree or professional skills certificate program.{{Cite web |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230818112513/https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/education/michigan-reconnect-scholarship-program-enrollment/69-4cc4a366-494d-4657-95f3-cdf2b32ec820 |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |date=February 2, 2022 |title=91,000 Michiganders enjoying tuition free education from Michigan Reconnect scholarship program |url=https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/education/michigan-reconnect-scholarship-program-enrollment/69-4cc4a366-494d-4657-95f3-cdf2b32ec820 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=WZZM13.com |language=en-US}} In her 2023 State of the State Address, Whitmer called for expanding the program by lowering the minimum age to 21. As of 2023, over 113,000 people had been accepted into the program.{{Cite web |title=Gretchen Whitmer: Expand Michigan Reconnect program for community college |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/gretchen-whitmer-expand-michigan-reconnect-program-community-college |first=Isabel |last=Lohman |date=January 25, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Bridge Michigan |language=en |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404222152/https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/gretchen-whitmer-expand-michigan-reconnect-program-community-college |url-status=live }}

In 2020, Whitmer launched the Futures for Frontliners program, providing tuition-free access to an associate degree or professional certification program for Michiganders who served as essential workers during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Jesse |first=David |date=September 10, 2020 |title=625,000 essential workers in Michigan eligible for free college: What to know |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2020/09/10/whitmer-free-college-essential-workers-michigan/5767799002/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404222152/https://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2020/09/10/whitmer-free-college-essential-workers-michigan/5767799002/ |url-status=live }} By 2021, more than 120,000 people had applied for the first-of-its-kind program.{{Cite web |first=Jack |last=Nissen |date=June 22, 2021 |title=Whitmer looks to expand Future for Frontliners Program |url=https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/whitmer-looks-to-expand-future-for-frontliners-program |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=FOX 2 Detroit |language=en-US |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404222152/https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/whitmer-looks-to-expand-future-for-frontliners-program |url-status=live }}

Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation in 2022 establishing the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and providing $560 million to fund it. The "sweeping college scholarship program" is the state's largest effort to date to expand affordable access to college education,{{Cite web |title=Michigan to invest $560M on scholarships to ease college affordability crisis |work=Bridge Michigan |first=Mike |last=Wilkinson |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-invest-560m-scholarships-ease-college-affordability-crisis |access-date=April 4, 2023 |date=September 28, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404222152/https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-invest-560m-scholarships-ease-college-affordability-crisis |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |first=Ron |last=French |title=Michigan Achievement Scholarship: How to apply and get your college funds |work=Bridge Michigan |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-achievement-scholarship-how-apply-and-get-your-college-funds |date=October 12, 2022 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404222153/https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-achievement-scholarship-how-apply-and-get-your-college-funds |url-status=live }} estimated to provide scholarships for 94% of students at community college, 76% of students at public universities, and 79% of students at private universities and colleges.{{Cite web |last=Coleman |first=Ken |date=October 11, 2022 |title=Whitmer signs bipartisan bill establishing college scholarship program |url=https://michiganadvance.com/2022/10/11/whitmer-signs-bipartisan-bill-establishing-college-scholarship-program/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Michigan Advance |language=en-US |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404222153/https://michiganadvance.com/2022/10/11/whitmer-signs-bipartisan-bill-establishing-college-scholarship-program/ |url-status=live }}

Whitmer has ordered the closure of major oil pipelines in Michigan and supports renewable energy initiatives. She has been endorsed by the Sierra Club's Michigan Chapter.{{Cite web |title=Leading Environmental Organizations Endorse Gretchen Whitmer for Governor |url=https://www.sierraclub.org/michigan/blog/2022/03/leading-environmental-organizations-endorse-gretchen-whitmer-for-governor |access-date=December 8, 2022 |website=Sierra Club |language=en |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208063556/https://www.sierraclub.org/michigan/blog/2022/03/leading-environmental-organizations-endorse-gretchen-whitmer-for-governor |url-status=live }}

In February 2019, Whitmer issued an executive order that reorganized some state government departments; the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality became the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.{{Cite web |title=Executive Order 2019-06 |url=https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/state-orders-and-directives/2019/02/20/executive-order-2019-6 |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=Michigan.gov |language=en |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106024727/https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/state-orders-and-directives/2019/02/20/executive-order-2019-6 |url-status=live }}

{{see also|Gun laws in Michigan}}

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In January 2021, Whitmer called for a ban on all weapons inside the Michigan State Capitol in response to armed protestors in April 2020.{{cite web |last=Hutchinson |first=Dereck |title=Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calls for 'immediate action' to ban all weapons at Michigan Capitol |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/2021/01/11/gov-gretchen-whitmer-calls-for-immediate-action-to-ban-all-weapons-at-michigan-capitol/ |website=Click on Detroit |date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129052222/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/2021/01/11/gov-gretchen-whitmer-calls-for-immediate-action-to-ban-all-weapons-at-michigan-capitol/ |url-status=live}} In her seven "concrete steps" to deter school shooting, she has called for bans on bump stocks and increasing resources for school resource officers.{{cite web |date=April 4, 2018 |last=Kurth |first=Joel |title=Truth Squad: Questioning Gretchen Whitmer's gun control record in Michigan |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-truth-squad/truth-squad-questioning-gretchen-whitmers-gun-control-record-michigan |work=Bridge Michigan |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112024012/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-truth-squad/truth-squad-questioning-gretchen-whitmers-gun-control-record-michigan |url-status=live }}{{cite press release |title=Safety for our children should always be our top priority. |url=https://action.gretchenwhitmer.com/page/s/keep-our-kids-safe |website=Gretchen Whitmer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318024240/https://action.gretchenwhitmer.com/page/s/keep-our-kids-safe |access-date=April 8, 2021 |archive-date=March 18, 2018}} In 2019, Whitmer joined 11 other governors in calling for "common sense gun legislation".{{cite web |title=Whitmer calls for tighter gun control laws along with 11 other governors |url=https://www.wndu.com/content/news/Whitmer-calls-for-tighter-gun-control-laws-along-with-11-other-governors-560072161.html |date=September 11, 2019 |website=ABC News 12 |access-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412113209/https://www.abc12.com/content/news/Whitmer-calls-for-tighter-gun-control-laws-along-with-11-other-governors-560051971.html |url-status=dead}} In 2012, she wrote an open letter to National Rifle Association President Wayne LaPierre on HuffPost about actions to prevent further school violence like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.{{cite web |last1=Whitmer |first1=Gretchen |title=A Message to NRA President Wayne LaPierre: How Dare You? |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nra-wayne-lapierre-guns_b_2349771 |website=HuffPost |date=December 22, 2012 |access-date=April 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810065155/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/nra-wayne-lapierre-guns_b_2349771 |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |url-status=live}}

After Democrats won a majority in the state legislature in 2023, they passed a package of gun violence prevention legislation. Whitmer strongly supported the six bills, which were passed in the aftermath of the 2021 Oxford High School shooting and 2023 Michigan State University shooting, and she signed the package into law in April 2023.Sydney Kashiwagi, [https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/14/politics/governor-gretchen-whitmer-gun-violence-prevention-michigan/index.html Michigan Gov. Whitmer signs gun control package] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612072222/https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/14/politics/governor-gretchen-whitmer-gun-violence-prevention-michigan/index.html |date=June 12, 2024 }}, CNN (April 14, 2023). The Michigan package included a universal background checks law, a safe storage law, a law exempting of firearm safety devices from state sales tax and use tax, and a law containing new licensure requirements for gun owners. In May 2023, Whitmer also signed a red flag law; that law took effect in February 2024.Hannah Mackay, [https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/01/30/new-red-flag-gun-law-taking-effect-michigan/72407196007/ New 'red flag' gun law takes effect Feb. 13 in Michigan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612072222/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/01/30/new-red-flag-gun-law-taking-effect-michigan/72407196007/ |date=June 12, 2024 }}, The Detroit News (January 31, 2024).Joey Cappelletti, [https://apnews.com/article/gun-red-flag-law-whitmer-michigan-338a168af6cd59b48a03d32dda34aa03 Michigan governor signs red flag gun law as questions linger over enforcement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612072222/https://apnews.com/article/gun-red-flag-law-whitmer-michigan-338a168af6cd59b48a03d32dda34aa03 |date=June 12, 2024 }}, Associated Press (May 22, 2023).

Whitmer has said she would fight Republican efforts to take away protections for patients with preexisting conditions. In the State Senate, she successfully worked to expand Medicaid coverage in the state under the Affordable Care Act. She spoke against single-payer healthcare as unrealistic on a state level in 2018 but also said she supports and thinks there is a good opportunity to enact federal-level Medicare for All.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2019/12/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-supports-medicare-for-all-in-concept.html|title=Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer supports Medicare for All 'in concept'|last=Barrett|first=Malachi|date=December 2, 2019|website=MLive Media Group|access-date=July 16, 2023|archive-date=July 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717023645/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2019/12/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-supports-medicare-for-all-in-concept.html|url-status=live}} She also said she would work to lower the cost of prescription drugs and would get rid of Schuette's drug immunity law, which she believes protects drug companies from legal trouble if their drugs harm or kill people.{{Cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2018/07/18/michigan-governor-race-gretchen-whitmer-blue-cross/|title=A Blue Cross CEO Encouraged a Michigan Woman to Get Into Politics. Now She's Running for Governor and Says Single Payer Is Unrealistic.|last=Jilani|first=Zaid|date=July 18, 2018|website=The Intercept-US|access-date=October 27, 2018|archive-date=January 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122014711/https://theintercept.com/2018/07/18/michigan-governor-race-gretchen-whitmer-blue-cross/|url-status=live}}

During her first term as governor, Whitmer expanded health care coverage to more than one million Michiganders under the state's Medicaid expansion program, Healthy Michigan. She played a key role in passing Michigan's Medicaid expansion in 2013 as Senate minority leader, delivering Democratic votes needed to pass it.{{Cite web |date=May 16, 2022 |title=1M Michiganders receiving health care under state's Healthy Michigan Plan |url=https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/05/16/1m-michiganders-receiving-health-care-under-states-healthy-michigan-plan/ |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=UpperMichigansSource.com |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195516/https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2022/05/16/1m-michiganders-receiving-health-care-under-states-healthy-michigan-plan/ |url-status=live }} Also during her first term, Whitmer established the Healthy Moms Healthy Babies program to help reduce infant mortality rates in low-income populations and address racial disparities in care provided for mothers and infants,{{Cite web |title=Improving maternal and infant outcomes a priority in Gov. Whitmer's 2021 budget proposal |first=Kathleen |last=Gray |date=February 6, 2020 |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2020/02/06/gov-gretchen-whitmer-healthy-moms-babies-programs-budget/4673687002/ |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195515/https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2020/02/06/gov-gretchen-whitmer-healthy-moms-babies-programs-budget/4673687002/ |url-status=live }} and secured an expansion of postpartum Medicaid coverage providing up to 35,000 mothers with health services for a year postpartum to help reduce pregnancy-related deaths.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Dustin |date=May 2, 2022 |title=State expands Medicaid coverage for new mothers for a year postpartum |url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/health-care/state-expands-medicaid-coverage-new-mothers-year-postpartum |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=Crain's Detroit Business |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613201027/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/health-care/state-expands-medicaid-coverage-new-mothers-year-postpartum |url-status=live }}

Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill into law in 2020 to end surprise medical billing in Michigan by requiring providers to negotiate bills for out-of-network emergency services with a patient's insurance company instead of the patient.{{Cite web |title=Surprise out-of-network medical bills now illegal in Michigan |url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2020/10/30/surprise-medical-bills-now-illegal-michigan/6045348002/ |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |first=JC |last=Reindl |date=October 30, 2020 |language=en-US |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195530/https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2020/10/30/surprise-medical-bills-now-illegal-michigan/6045348002/ |url-status=live }} In 2022, she signed a bipartisan package of bills into law to reduce prescription drug prices by requiring pharmacists to disclose prices of cheaper generic drugs to patients and by requiring pharmacy benefit managers to be licensed and file drug-price transparency reports.{{Cite web |last=Barrett |first=Malachi |date=February 23, 2022 |title=Whitmer signs bipartisan bills aimed at cutting prescription drug costs |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2022/02/whitmer-signs-bipartisan-bills-aimed-at-cutting-prescription-drug-costs.html |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=mlive |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195515/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2022/02/whitmer-signs-bipartisan-bills-aimed-at-cutting-prescription-drug-costs.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Whitmer: Drug legislation will lower costs |url=https://www.wlns.com/news/michigan/whitmer-drug-legislation-will-lower-costs/ |first=Izzy |last=Martin |url-status=live |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=WLNS 6 News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217012626/https://www.wlns.com/news/michigan/whitmer-drug-legislation-will-lower-costs/ |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |language=en-US}}

In 2021, Whitmer declared that Michigan was ready to accept Afghan refugee families fleeing the country amid the Taliban takeover following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. She praised Michigan's "rich history of multiculturalism" and said the state was prepared "to help ensure those who arrive in Michigan can get their feet on the ground".{{Cite web |first=Beth |last=LeBlanc |date=August 20, 2021 |title=Whitmer: State of Michigan prepared to welcome Afghan evacuees |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2021/08/20/whitmer-state-michigan-prepared-welcome-afghan-evacuees/8216618002/ |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195515/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2021/08/20/whitmer-state-michigan-prepared-welcome-afghan-evacuees/8216618002/ |url-status=live }}

In 2019, Whitmer canceled the sale of a former state prison over the purchasing company's plans to operate the facility as an immigrant detention center. A spokesperson said she canceled the sale because the purchasing company could not guarantee that the facility would not be used to house members of families separated under the Trump administration family separation policy.{{Cite web |title=Whitmer nixes private immigrant detention center proposed in Ionia |date=February 17, 2019 |first=Paul |last=Egan |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/02/17/gretchen-whitmer-private-immigration-prison-ionia/2898680002/ |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195516/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/02/17/gretchen-whitmer-private-immigration-prison-ionia/2898680002/ |url-status=live }}

Whitmer disapproved of Trump's plan to exclude illegal immigrants from the 2020 United States census.{{cite press release |title=Governor Whitmer Statement on President Trump's Exclusion of Undocumented Immigrants from 2020 Census |url=https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2020/07/21/governor-whitmer-statement-on-president-trumps-exclusion-of-undocumented-immigrants-from-2020-census |date=July 21, 2020 |website=Michigan Government |publisher=The Office of Gretchen Whitmen |access-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816194400/https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2020/07/21/governor-whitmer-statement-on-president-trumps-exclusion-of-undocumented-immigrants-from-2020-census |url-status=live }} In 2019, she told immigration rights groups that she supported plans to give undocumented immigrants driver's licenses or a form of government ID.{{cite web |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230818101636/https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/politics/michigan-politics/whitmer-everyone-needs-id-including-undocumented-immigrants/69-eca6c7ad-af85-4da5-9670-3f7a9c39ad4a |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |title=Whitmer: Everyone needs ID, including undocumented immigrants |url=https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/politics/michigan-politics/whitmer-everyone-needs-id-including-undocumented-immigrants/69-eca6c7ad-af85-4da5-9670-3f7a9c39ad4a |website=WZZM 13 |date=August 2, 2019 |access-date=April 9, 2021}}

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After running on the slogan "fix the damn roads" during her campaign, Whitmer secured historic funding for Michigan roads and bridges as governor. During her first term, over 16,000 lane miles of roads and 1,200 bridges were repaired across the state.{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Dane |date=January 25, 2023 |title=Gov. Whitmer celebrates achievements, lays out plans in 2023 State of the State |url=https://www.wilx.com/2023/01/26/i-believe-our-bright-future-gov-whitmer-celebrates-achievements-lays-out-plans-2023-state-state-address/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=WILX |language=en |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616010921/https://www.wilx.com/2023/01/26/i-believe-our-bright-future-gov-whitmer-celebrates-achievements-lays-out-plans-2023-state-state-address/ |url-status=live }} In 2020, Whitmer announced the Rebuilding Michigan program, providing $3.5 billion in state funding for over 120 road projects for the next five years, with a focus on major roads with the greatest economic impact and traffic volume.{{Cite web |first1=Craig |last1=Mauger |first2=Beth |last2=LeBlanc |title=Whitmer jabs GOP, unveils $3.5B bonding plan to boost road aid |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/01/29/whitmer-unveils-bonding-plan-boost-road-funding-3-5-billion/4601886002/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=The Detroit News |date=January 29, 2020 |language=en-US |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616010921/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/01/29/whitmer-unveils-bonding-plan-boost-road-funding-3-5-billion/4601886002/ |url-status=live }} In 2022, Whitmer signed a bipartisan $5 billion infrastructure deal that included over $400 million for state and local roads and bridges,{{Cite web |title=Gretchen Whitmer, GOP strike $4.7 billion Michigan infrastructure deal |work=Bridge Michigan |first=Jonathan |last=Oosting |date=March 24, 2022 |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/gretchen-whitmer-gop-strike-47-billion-michigan-infrastructure-deal |access-date=June 16, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616010921/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/gretchen-whitmer-gop-strike-47-billion-michigan-infrastructure-deal |url-status=live }} and an executive order to streamline road repairs directing agencies to speed up permitting for infrastructure projects.{{Cite web |title=Whitmer issues directive to speed up infrastructure permitting |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2022/06/01/gretchen-whitmer-directive-large-infrastructure-project-permitting-accelerate/7474151001/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616010920/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2022/06/01/gretchen-whitmer-directive-large-infrastructure-project-permitting-accelerate/7474151001/ |url-status=live }} Also in 2022, she announced the creation of the Michigan Infrastructure Office to coordinate between agencies and spend infrastructure funding more effectively.{{Cite web |title=Gov. Whitmer Creates Michigan Infrastructure Office |date=January 13, 2022 |url=https://www.9and10news.com/2022/01/13/gov-whitmer-creates-michigan-infrastructure-office/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=9&10 News |language=en |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616010921/https://www.9and10news.com/2022/01/13/gov-whitmer-creates-michigan-infrastructure-office/ |url-status=live }}

The Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council's 2022 report found that Michigan's roads were "in their best shape in years", with the proportion of roads rated "good" and "fair" increasing while those in "poor" condition decreased.{{Cite web |last=DesOrmeau |first=Taylor |date=May 3, 2022 |title=Michigan roads are improving, but 1 in 3 are 'poor' |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2022/05/michigan-roads-are-improving-but-1-in-3-are-poor.html |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=mlive |language=en |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616010921/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2022/05/michigan-roads-are-improving-but-1-in-3-are-poor.html |url-status=live }} The council's 2023 report found that "slightly fewer roads were in good condition and slightly more were deemed poor" but said it was a good sign that roads had not deteriorated substantially from the gains in the previous year.{{Cite web |last=Hicks |first=Justin |date=May 7, 2023 |title=Michigan had more poor-rated roads in 2022, according to new report |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2023/05/michigan-had-more-poor-rated-roads-in-2022-according-to-new-report.html |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=mlive |language=en |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616010920/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2023/05/michigan-had-more-poor-rated-roads-in-2022-according-to-new-report.html |url-status=live }}

Whitmer has invested over $2 billion in water infrastructure improvements since taking office. She secured $1.7 billion in water infrastructure investments as part of a nearly $5 billion bipartisan infrastructure deal signed into law in 2022. The package included major funding for local governments to upgrade their drinking water systems, hundreds of millions to replace an estimated 20,000 lead service lines across the state, and millions more to address other drinking water contaminants.{{Cite web |last=Holleman |first=Krystle |date=March 30, 2022 |title=Gov. Whitmer signs $4.8 billion infrastructure bill into law |url=https://www.wilx.com/2022/03/30/gov-whitmer-signs-infrastructure-bill-grand-rapids/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=WILX |language=en |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616010921/https://www.wilx.com/2022/03/30/gov-whitmer-signs-infrastructure-bill-grand-rapids/ |url-status=live }} Whitmer created the office of the Clean Water Public Advocate in 2019{{Cite web |title=Whitmer shakes up state government to focus on drinking water |first=Paul |last=Egan |date=February 4, 2019 |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/02/04/whitmer-safe-drinking-water-michigan/2766112002/ |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US |archive-date=June 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616032624/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/02/04/whitmer-safe-drinking-water-michigan/2766112002/ |url-status=live }} and has enforced Michigan's recently updated lead and copper drinking water rule, which has the nation's strictest standards for drinking water contamination.{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2018 |title=Michigan enacts toughest lead rules in US after Flint crisis |url=https://apnews.com/general-news-206e17375e164f0d947331682a58b7f4 |first=David |last=Eggert |access-date=June 16, 2023 |website=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818112735/https://apnews.com/general-news-206e17375e164f0d947331682a58b7f4 |url-status=live }}

Whitmer has been a longtime advocate for expanding Michigan's civil rights law to include LGBT individuals.{{Cite web |title=Gov. Whitmer signs bill expanding Michigan civil rights law to include LGBTQ protections |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2023/03/16/michigan-lgbtq-protections-bill-civil-rights-law/69990432007/ |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901205431/https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2023/03/16/michigan-lgbtq-protections-bill-civil-rights-law/69990432007/ |url-status=live }} The Human Rights Campaign endorsed her during her 2018 and 2022 campaigns for governor.{{Cite press release |date=September 13, 2018 |title=HRC Endorses Gretchen Whitmer for Michigan Governor |url=https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/human-rights-campaign-endorses-pro-equality-candidate-gretchen-whitmer-for |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=Human Rights Campaign |language=en-US |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901205431/https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/human-rights-campaign-endorses-pro-equality-candidate-gretchen-whitmer-for |url-status=live }}{{Cite press release |date=June 8, 2022 |title=Human Rights Campaign Endorses Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist of Michigan for Reelection |url=https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/human-rights-campaign-endorses-governor-gretchen-whitmer-and-lt-governor-garlin-gilchrist-of-michigan-for-reelection |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=Human Rights Campaign |language=en-US |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208063606/https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/human-rights-campaign-endorses-governor-gretchen-whitmer-and-lt-governor-garlin-gilchrist-of-michigan-for-reelection |url-status=live }}

In March 2023, Whitmer signed legislation to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections against discrimination in employment and housing, based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Several Republican lawmakers joined with Democrats in the Michigan House and Senate to pass the bill.{{Cite web |date=March 8, 2023 |title=LGBTQ civil rights protection passes Michigan Legislature |url=https://www.michiganradio.org/politics-government/2023-03-08/lgbtq-civil-rights-protection-passes-michigan-legislature |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=Michigan Radio |language=en |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901205433/https://www.michiganradio.org/politics-government/2023-03-08/lgbtq-civil-rights-protection-passes-michigan-legislature |url-status=live }}

As governor, Whitmer has signed several major tax cuts into law. In 2021, she signed bipartisan legislation to exempt all feminine hygiene products from state sales tax, saving consumers an estimated $7 million in taxes.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Samuel |date=November 5, 2021 |title=Whitmer signs 'tampon tax' bill to exempt feminine hygiene products from sales taxes |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2021/11/whitmer-signs-tampon-tax-bill-to-exempt-feminine-hygiene-products-from-sales-taxes.html |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=mlive |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195529/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2021/11/whitmer-signs-tampon-tax-bill-to-exempt-feminine-hygiene-products-from-sales-taxes.html |url-status=live }} Whitmer signed two bipartisan tax cuts for small businesses into law in 2021; legislation she signed in October 2021 expanded property tax exemptions, providing $75 million in savings for small businesses{{Cite web |last=Eggert |first=Dave |date=December 14, 2021 |title=Michigan lawmakers OK $1.5B in business incentives, relief |url=https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-michigan-gretchen-whitmer-lansing-2a646a591f19ad75a25b03d9a17f802f |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195515/https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-michigan-gretchen-whitmer-lansing-2a646a591f19ad75a25b03d9a17f802f |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2021 |title=$75M Biz Property Tax Cut Passed As Part Of Economic Development Deal |url=https://www.sbam.org/75m-biz-property-tax-cut-passed-as-part-of-economic-development-deal/ |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) |language=en-US |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195516/https://www.sbam.org/75m-biz-property-tax-cut-passed-as-part-of-economic-development-deal/ |url-status=live }} and bipartisan legislation she signed in December 2021 creating a SALT tax cap workaround for small businesses that providing a total of $200 million in tax savings.{{Cite web |last=Manes |first=Nick |date=December 23, 2021 |title=New Michigan tax change could be boon for business owners |url=https://www.detroitchamber.com/new-michigan-tax-change-could-be-boon-for-business-owners/ |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=Detroit Regional Chamber |language=en-US |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195516/https://www.detroitchamber.com/new-michigan-tax-change-could-be-boon-for-business-owners/ |url-status=live }} In 2023, she signed a bipartisan $1 billion package of tax cuts into law. The legislation repealed the retirement tax, quintupled the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, and allocated up to $500 million per year of corporate taxes towards the state's fund for business incentives.{{Cite web |first=Jonathan |last=Oosting |date=March 7, 2023 |title=Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs Michigan tax relief, minus $180 checks |work=Bridge Michigan |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/gov-gretchen-whitmer-signs-michigan-tax-relief-minus-180-checks |access-date=June 13, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195516/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/gov-gretchen-whitmer-signs-michigan-tax-relief-minus-180-checks |url-status=live }} In 2022, Michigan had the fifth-lowest state and local tax burden in the nation and the lowest in the Midwest, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation.{{Cite web |title=State-Local Tax Burden Rankings |url=https://taxfoundation.org/publications/state-local-tax-burden-rankings/ |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=Tax Foundation |date=April 7, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202040355/https://taxfoundation.org/publications/state-local-tax-burden-rankings/ |url-status=live }}

Whitmer grew Michigan's rainy-day fund to an all-time high of $1.6 billion in 2022 thanks to a $500 million deposit made in 2021 and an additional $180 million deposit in 2022 as part of bipartisan spending agreements.{{Cite web |title=New Michigan budget deal targets roads, bridges and adds more than $1B for child care |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2021/09/21/michigan-budget-deal-roads-bridges/5794878001/ |access-date=June 13, 2023 |date=September 21, 2021 |website=Detroit Free Press |first=Paul |last=Egan |language=en-US |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195529/https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2021/09/21/michigan-budget-deal-roads-bridges/5794878001/ |url-status=live }} Under Whitmer, Michigan paid down nearly $14 billion in state debt{{Cite web |title=An evening with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and CNN Anchor Chris Wallace |url=https://fordschool.umich.edu/event/2023/evening-governor-gretchen-whitmer-and-cnn-anchor-chris-wallace |date=March 8, 2023 |access-date=June 13, 2023 |work=Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy |publisher=University of Michigan |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195516/https://fordschool.umich.edu/event/2023/evening-governor-gretchen-whitmer-and-cnn-anchor-chris-wallace |url-status=live }} and went from a projected $3 billion deficit to a $9 billion surplus.{{Cite web |title=Michigan has a $9 billion surplus. What's a transformative way to use it? |url=https://www.michiganradio.org/podcast/its-just-politics/2023-01-20/michigan-9-billion-dollar-surplus-how-should-we-use-it |first1=Zoe |last1=Clark |first2=Rick |last2=Pluta |date=January 20, 2023 |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=Michigan Radio |language=en |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613195516/https://www.michiganradio.org/podcast/its-just-politics/2023-01-20/michigan-9-billion-dollar-surplus-how-should-we-use-it |url-status=live }} Michigan became a "standout for investors" under Whitmer with bond returns outperforming neighboring states.{{Cite news |last=Winkler |first=Matthew |date=February 16, 2022 |title='Woman in Michigan' Governs the No. 1 Economy |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-02-16/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-leads-the-no-1-u-s-economy |access-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703082757/https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-02-16/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-leads-the-no-1-u-s-economy |url-status=live }} In 2021, S&P and Fitch both announced rating outlook upgrades for Michigan, citing the state's responsible fiscal management and economic success emerging from the pandemic.{{Cite web |date=July 2, 2021 |title=Whitmer says Michigan credit rating boost shows economy back on track |url=https://www.abc12.com/news/business/whitmer-says-michigan-credit-rating-boost-shows-economy-back-on-track/article_560b2389-bded-550c-8677-8419149d85c3.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508081322/https://www.abc12.com/news/business/whitmer-says-michigan-credit-rating-boost-shows-economy-back-on-track/article_560b2389-bded-550c-8677-8419149d85c3.html |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=ABC12 WJRT-TV |language=en}} In 2022, Fitch upgraded Michigan's credit rating from AA to AA+, citing the state's strong fiscal position and economic growth.{{Cite web |title=Michigan Gets First Fitch Credit Rating Upgrade in Nearly a Decade |url=https://www.9and10news.com/2022/07/22/michigan-gets-first-fitch-credit-rating-upgrade-in-nearly-a-decade/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722180701/https://www.9and10news.com/2022/07/22/michigan-gets-first-fitch-credit-rating-upgrade-in-nearly-a-decade/ |archive-date=July 22, 2022 |date=July 22, 2022 |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=9&10 News |language=en}}

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In 2020, Whitmer signed an executive order expanding access to mail-in voting.{{Cite press release |title=ACLU of Michigan Commends Governor Gretchen Whitmer for Announcing Plans to Expand Absentee Voting for May 5 Elections During COVID-19 Crisis |date=March 28, 2020 |url=https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-michigan-commends-governor-gretchen-whitmer-announcing-plans-expand-absentee |access-date=December 8, 2022 |website=American Civil Liberties Union |language=en |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208063556/https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-michigan-commends-governor-gretchen-whitmer-announcing-plans-expand-absentee |url-status=live }} In November 2023, she signed a series of election-related bills.{{Cite web|author=Jonathan Oosting|date=May 13, 2024|title=Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs Michigan election law overhaul that aims to prevent 'chaos'|url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/whitmer-signs-michigan-election-law-overhaul-aims-prevent-chaos|website=Bridge Michigan|language=en|access-date=May 21, 2024|archive-date=May 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515201130/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/whitmer-signs-michigan-election-law-overhaul-aims-prevent-chaos|url-status=live}} The package of legislation expands automatic citizen voter registration and makes it a criminal offense to intimidate or threaten a poll worker. It makes clear that the state canvassing board and county canvassing boards have a "ministerial, clerical, and nondiscretionary duty" to certify election results based on local clerks' tabulation. This change was in response to Donald Trump's effort to subvert the election result in 2020 (including by pressuring Republicans on Michigan's canvassing boards to refuse to certify the results of the presidential election in Michigan, which Biden won). The 2024 packages of bills Whitmer signed also include a bill to regulate political disinformation campaigns ("materially deceptive media") by requiring artificial intelligence-generated political ads to contain disclaimers.{{Cite web |title=HB5144: SUMMARY OF BILL REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE (Date Completed: 11-13-23) - MATERIALLY DECEPTIVE MEDIA |url=https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2023-2024/billanalysis/Senate/htm/2023-SFA-5144-F.htm |access-date=May 14, 2024 |website=www.legislature.mi.gov |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508132035/https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2023-2024/billanalysis/Senate/htm/2023-SFA-5144-F.htm |url-status=live }}

Whitmer supports labor unions. In March 2023, she signed the repeal of the state's 2012 "right-to-work law"; Michigan was the first state in 58 years to repeal such a law. Whitmer also signed legislation reinstating a prevailing wage law, which mandates that contractors hired for projects with the state pay union-level wages.{{cite news |last1=Cappelletti |first1=Joey |date=March 24, 2023 |title=Michigan 1st state in decades to repeal 'right-to-work' law |url=https://apnews.com/article/right-to-work-repeal-michigan-democrats-b4304a2780909d37e76f211c7b070a6b |work=Associated Press News |access-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-date=June 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613011404/https://apnews.com/article/right-to-work-repeal-michigan-democrats-b4304a2780909d37e76f211c7b070a6b |url-status=live }}

Whitmer and her first husband Gary Shrewsbury have two daughters, born 19 months apart. Shortly after she gave birth to her first child in 2002, Whitmer's mother died of glioblastoma. Whitmer and Shrewsbury divorced in 2008. In 2011, she married dentist Marc P. Mallory, a Republican voter who identifies as fiscally conservative but socially liberal. Mallory has three sons from his previous marriage.{{Cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Oosting |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/06/27/gretch-whitmer-profile-michigan-governor/698088002/ |title=Whitmer rises to establishment choice in Democrats' gov race |newspaper=The Detroit News |access-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-date=November 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110085456/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/06/27/gretch-whitmer-profile-michigan-governor/698088002/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.gretchenwhitmer.com/bio/|title=Meet Gretchen – Gretchen Whitmer for Governor|work=Gretchen Whitmer for Governor|access-date=August 10, 2018|archive-date=August 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819012951/http://gretchenwhitmer.com/bio/|url-status=dead}} The couple live in the Michigan Governor's Mansion in Lansing, Michigan, with their five children.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wlns.com/news/6-news-on-demand/skubick-whitmer-family-joins-in-run-for-governor/999903055|title=Skubick: Whitmer family joins in run for governor|last=VanderKolk|first=Kevin|date=January 4, 2017|work=WLNS|access-date=August 10, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116164200/https://www.wlns.com/news/6-news-on-demand/skubick-whitmer-family-joins-in-run-for-governor/999903055|url-status=live}} They also own a vacation cottage in Antrim County, near Elk Rapids.{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2020 |title=Gov. Whitmer Addresses Antrim County Cottage and Boat Controversy |first=Eric |last=Lloyd |url=https://www.9and10news.com/2020/05/26/gov-whitmer-addresses-antrim-county-cottage-and-boat-controversy/ |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=9 & 10 News |language=en-US |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106023638/https://www.9and10news.com/2020/05/26/gov-whitmer-addresses-antrim-county-cottage-and-boat-controversy/ |url-status=live }} Whitmer's daughters both attended East Lansing High School and the University of Michigan. Her eldest daughter is openly gay.

Whitmer's sister, Liz Whitmer Gereghty, is a Katonah–Lewisboro School Board trustee in Westchester County, New York.{{Cite web |last1=Ferris |first1=Sarah |last2=Mutnick |first2=Ally |last3=Wu |first3=Nicholas |date=April 6, 2023 |title=Whitmania: Dems eye Michigan gov's sister for battleground House race |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/06/liz-whitmer-new-york-michigan-00090681 |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=POLITICO |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420205755/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/06/liz-whitmer-new-york-michigan-00090681 |url-status=live }} Gereghty briefly ran for the 2024 Democratic nomination for Congress in New York's 17th congressional district, a suburban swing district held by Republican Mike Lawler, but dropped out of the primary in November 2023, endorsing former congressman Mondaire Jones.{{Cite web|author=Gregory Krieg and David Wright|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/29/politics/liz-whitmer-new-york-democrats-house/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=November 29, 2023|title=Sister of Gretchen Whitmer ends campaign for Congress as New York Democrats unify in bid to flip House|access-date=June 12, 2024|archive-date=June 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612070715/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/29/politics/liz-whitmer-new-york-democrats-house/index.html|url-status=live}}

Whitmer was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in 2023.{{Cite web |last=Cynova |first=Sabrina |date=November 21, 2023 |title=Michigan Women Forward Announces 2023 Women's Hall of Fame Inductees, Four Women to be Honored at Induction Ceremony on Dec. 6 |url=https://www.detroitchamber.com/michigan-women-forward-announces-2023-womens-hall-of-fame-inductees-four-women-to-be-honored-at-induction-ceremony-on-dec-6/ |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=Detroit Regional Chamber |language=en-US |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126184408/https://www.detroitchamber.com/michigan-women-forward-announces-2023-womens-hall-of-fame-inductees-four-women-to-be-honored-at-induction-ceremony-on-dec-6/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Governor Gretchen Whitmer |url=https://twitter.com/GovWhitmer/status/1732921829310751087 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=Twitter |archive-date=January 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126182906/https://twitter.com/GovWhitmer/status/1732921829310751087 |url-status=live }} She has three tattoos.

Whitmer is known by the nickname "Big Gretch", coined by rapper Sada Baby.{{Cite news |last= |date=December 15, 2023 |title=Michigan Matters: Going one-on-one with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-matters-going-one-on-one-with-gov-gretchen-whitmer/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=CBS News}} In May 2020, Detroit-based comedy rapper Gmac Cash released "Big Gretch", a song praising Whitmer and the COVID-19 lockdown.{{efn|Some sources credit Cash with the nickname.}} The song went viral on YouTube. The rapper said Whitmer deserved Cartier buffalo horn sunglasses, or "buffs", a symbol of respect in Detroit.{{Cite news |last=Graham |first=Adam |date=May 4, 2020 |title=Detroit rapper Gmac Cash pays tribute to Gov. Whitmer with 'Big Gretch' |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/2020/05/04/detroit-rapper-gmac-cash-pays-tribute-gov-whitmer-big-gretch/3077926001/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=The Detroit News}}{{Cite news |last=Hunter |first=Branden |date=May 1, 2020 |title=Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earns her 'Buffs' — and the respect of Detroiters as 'Big Gretch' |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/05/01/gretchen-whitmer-big-gretch-detroit-michigan/3066950001/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=Detroit Free Press}} Whitmer responded in a tweet, "Love the nickname. Love the song."{{Cite news |last=Perez Balderrama |first=Andrea |date=May 4, 2020 |title=Gov. Whitmer responds to 'Big Gretch' rap song made about her |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/05/04/gretchen-whitmer-big-gretch-rap-song/3077499001/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=Detroit Free Press}} She told WNEM-TV in 2023, "Big Gretch is kind of a persona that came out of the pandemic. It was an acknowledgment that has gone through some tough stuff, and this was a nickname that came about because people wanted to give me a little encouragement. And so it was never a nickname I thought about or would have picked, but it's one that I really appreciate. And I think it's there. It's funny, too."{{Cite news |last=Custer |first=David |last2=Owczarzak |first2=Brianna |date=October 24, 2023 |title=‘Big Gretch’ discusses nickname, potential run for White House |url=https://www.wnem.com/2023/10/24/big-gretch-discusses-nickname-potential-run-white-house/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=WNEM-TV}} She addressed the nickname at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, saying, "In Lansing, they call me governor, but in Detroit, I’m 'Big Gretch!{{' "}}{{Cite news |last=Crisp |first=Elizabeth |date=August 23, 2024 |title=Where ‘Big Gretch’ got her nickname |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/4844547-big-gretch-nickname-michigan-whitmer/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=The Hill}}

In late March 2020, Whitmer gained national attention when President Donald Trump was reported to have told Vice President Mike Pence, "don't call the woman in Michigan", ostensibly in response to Whitmer's earlier criticisms of the Trump administration's initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Badner |first1=Eric |title='That governor is me': Gretchen Whitmer takes on Trump as coronavirus cases rise in Michigan |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/29/politics/gretchen-whitmer-donald-trump-coronavirus/index.html |accessdate=April 6, 2025 |work=CNN |date=March 30, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=North |first1=Anna |title=How the pandemic turned Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer into an unlikely firebrand |url=https://www.vox.com/2020/4/27/21232964/gretchen-whitmer-coronavirus-michigan-vp-vice-president |accessdate=April 6, 2025 |work=Vox |date=April 27, 2020}} Whitmer responded by embracing that description of herself, including wearing a "That Woman from Michigan" T-shirt on an April 1 Daily Show interview with Trevor Noah.{{cite news |last1=Lofton |first1=Justine |title=Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wears ‘That Woman from Michigan’ shirt on Comedy Central |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2020/04/gov-gretchen-whitmer-wears-that-woman-from-michigan-shirt-on-comedy-central.html |accessdate=April 6, 2025 |work=mLive |date=April 2, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Lofton |first1=Justine |title=Boyne company makes ‘That Woman in Michigan’ shirt worn by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2020/04/boyne-company-makes-that-woman-in-michigan-shirt-worn-by-gov-gretchen-whitmer.html |accessdate=April 6, 2025 |work=mLive |date=April 2, 2020}} At the 2024 DNC, she said, "Being a woman from Michigan is a badge of honor."{{Cite news |last=Booth-Singleton |first=DeJanay |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Gov. Whitmer mocks Trump's "that woman from Michigan" comment during DNC speech |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-gretchen-whitmer-dnc-speech-day-4/ |access-date=November 7, 2024 |work=CBS News}} Whitmer is popular on social media, with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers and 4 million TikTok likes {{as of|2023|lc=y}}. She is known for wearing deep magenta lipstick, which a Detroit makeup store, The Lip Bar, released as a product called "Big Gretch".

• "I'm a Pro-Choice Governor, and I'm Not Going to Sit on My Hands Waiting for Congress", The New York Times, May 9, 2022{{Cite news |last=Whitmer |first=Gretchen |date=May 9, 2022 |title=Opinion {{!}} I'm a Pro-Choice Governor, and I'm Not Going to Sit on My Hands Waiting for Congress |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/09/opinion/taking-the-fight-for-safe-legal-abortion-to-the-states.html |access-date=July 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

• True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between, Simon & Schuster, July 9, 2024 (ISBN 978-1-6680-7231-8).{{cite news |first1=Joey |last1=Cappelletti |first2=Isabella |last2=Volmert |title=Gov. Whitmer shuts down 2024 presidential talk but doesn't hide her ambitions in timely book launch |url=https://apnews.com/article/democratic-michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-book-release-d16cc531279d02f76e870cda310e0181 |access-date=July 19, 2024 |work=AP News |date=July 8, 2024}}

• Electoral history of Gretchen Whitmer
• List of female governors in the United States

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{{Commons}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• [https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer Governor Gretchen Whitmer] official government website
• [https://gretchenwhitmer.com/ Gretchen Whitmer for Governor] campaign website
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{{s-start}}

{{s-par|us-mi-hs}}

{{s-bef|before=Laura Baird}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 70th district|years=2001–2003}}

{{s-aft|after=Judy Emmons}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Michael C. Murphy}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 69th district|years=2003–2006}}

{{s-aft|after=Mark Meadows}}

|-

{{s-par|us-mi-sen}}

{{s-bef|before=Virgil Bernero}}

{{s-ttl|title=Member of the Michigan Senate
from the 23rd district|years=2006–2015}}

{{s-aft|after=Curtis Hertel Jr.}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Mike Prusi}}

{{s-ttl|title=Minority Leader of the Michigan Senate|years=2011–2015}}

{{s-aft|after=Jim Ananich}}

|-

{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Mark Schauer}}

{{s-ttl|title=Democratic nominee for Governor of Michigan|years=2018, 2022}}

{{s-inc|recent}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Stacey Abrams}}

{{s-ttl|title=Response to the State of the Union address|years=2020}}

{{s-aft|after=Tim Scott}}

|-

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Rick Snyder}}

{{s-ttl|title=Governor of Michigan|years=2019–present}}

{{s-inc}}

|-

{{s-prec|usa}}

{{s-bef|rows=2|before={{Incumbent VPOTUS}}|as=Vice President}}

{{s-ttl|rows=2|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Within Michigan}}

{{s-aft|after=Mayor of city
in which event is held}}

|-

{{s-aft|after=Otherwise Mike Johnson|as=Speaker of the House}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Sarah Huckabee Sanders|as=Governor of Arkansas}}

{{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Outside Michigan}}

{{s-aft|after=Ron DeSantis|as=Governor of Florida}}

{{s-end}}

{{Governors of Michigan}}

{{U.S. Governors}}

{{Michigan statewide political officials}}

{{COVID-19 pandemic in the United States}}

{{Michigan Women's Hall of Fame}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Whitmer, Gretchen}}

*

Category:1971 births

Category:20th-century Michigan politicians

Category:20th-century American women politicians

Category:21st-century members of the Michigan Legislature

Category:21st-century American women politicians

Category:American abortion-rights activists

Category:Democratic National Committee people

Category:Democratic Party governors of Michigan

Category:Democratic Party members of the Michigan House of Representatives

Category:Democratic Party Michigan state senators

Category:Detroit College of Law alumni

Category:Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign

Category:Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign

Category:Living people

Category:People associated with the 2020 United States presidential election

Category:People associated with the 2024 United States presidential election

Category:Politicians from Lansing, Michigan

Category:Prosecuting attorneys in Michigan

Category:Women state constitutional officers of Michigan

Category:Women state governors of the United States

Category:Women state legislators in Michigan