Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan National Guard members participate in inauguration, Adjutant General swearing-in 190101-F-VX133-049

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Gretchen Whitmer (cropped)

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President Joe Biden visits Kalamazoo, Michigan (02)

Gretchen Whitmer (born August 23, 1971) is an American politician and lawyer serving as the 49th Governor of Michigan, a position she has held since January 1, 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, Whitmer was a Michigan State Senator from 2006 to 2015 and the Senate Democratic Leader from 2011 to 2015. She also served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006.

Early Life and Education

Gretchen Esther Whitmer was born in Lansing, Michigan, to parents Richard and Sherry Whitmer. She grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, and graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids. Whitmer went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University.

Political Career

Early Career

Whitmer's political career began in the Michigan House of Representatives, where she served from 2001 to 2006. During her tenure, she focused on issues related to health care, education, and women's rights.

Michigan State Senate

In 2006, Whitmer was elected to the Michigan State Senate, representing the 23rd district. As a state senator, she continued to advocate for health care reform, education funding, and women's reproductive rights. In 2011, she was elected by her peers as the Senate Democratic Leader, making her the first woman to lead a party caucus in the Senate.

Governor of Michigan

Whitmer ran for Governor of Michigan in the 2018 election, emphasizing her commitment to fixing the state's infrastructure, improving health care, and advocating for public education. She won the election, defeating Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette, and was sworn in as governor on January 1, 2019.

As governor, Whitmer has focused on a wide range of issues, including responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the state's infrastructure needs, and promoting policies to support working families. She has also been a vocal advocate for gun control and women's rights, including reproductive rights.

Personal Life

Gretchen Whitmer is married to Marc Mallory, a dentist, and has two children from a previous marriage. She resides in the Governor's residence in Lansing, Michigan.

Controversies and Public Perception

Throughout her tenure as governor, Whitmer has faced both praise and criticism. Her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the implementation of strict lockdown measures, has been a point of contention. Supporters argue that her actions were necessary to protect public health, while critics claim they were overly restrictive and harmful to the economy.

Legacy and Future

Gretchen Whitmer's legacy as Governor of Michigan is still being shaped. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, commitment to improving the state's infrastructure, and advocacy for education and women's rights are central to her tenure. As she continues to serve, her policies and initiatives will further define her impact on the state of Michigan.