Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI)

Gretchen Whitmer is a feminist ready to make Michigan a better place for all. She is a lifelong Michigander who knows the state better than any other candidate. Dedicated to putting people before politics, Gretchen has promised to visit all Michigan counties.

Background and Achievements

Gretchen Whitmer is a born and raised Michigander who earned both her B.A. and law degree from Michigan State University. Following her graduation from law school, Whitmer was elected to the State House of Representatives where she serviced from 2000-2006 and was the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee. She was elected to the State Senate in 2006. After a four-year term in the Senate, Whitmer was unanimously elected as the first woman to become the Michigan Senate Democratic leader a position she held until 2015. Following her completed term, Whitmer was unanimously elected by the judges of Michigan’s 30th Judicial Circuit Court to serve as interim Ingham County Prosecutor for six months. She currently resides in East Lansing with her husband and five children.

Positions on Key Issues

  • Strongly supports women’s rights, including equal pay, paid family leave and a woman’s right to choose;
  • Supports changes to Michigan’s infrastructure, including increasing road funding, replacing all lead pipes, and expanding access to the internet;
  • Wants to create a statewide pre-K program and make college more affordable;
  • Promises to protect Medicaid and expand access to healthcare for rural Michiganders.

Prospects & Opponents

Gretchen Whitmer won the Democratic primary by over 21 percent on August 7. In the general election, she will run against Republican primary winner Bill Schuette. Rick Snyder, the current governor, has reached his term limit and cannot run for re-election.

Endorsements

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