Challenges in the Life of Gretchen Whitmer in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Gretchen Whitmer faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Gretchen Whitmer is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the 49th governor of Michigan since 2019. As a member of the Democratic Party, her political career includes time in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006, followed by service in the Michigan Senate from 2006 to 2015. Her tenure as governor has placed her at the forefront of state-level politics, addressing various issues and challenges facing Michigan.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1931: Call for Repeal of Defunct Abortion Ban

In January 2023, Governor Whitmer called for a repeal of Michigan's now defunct 1931 abortion ban during her State of the State address.

2012: Michigan Passed Right-to-Work Law

In 2012, Michigan passed a 'right-to-work law' that was later repealed by Whitmer in 2023. This made Michigan the first state in 58 years to repeal such a law.

2019: Budget Struggles in the Legislature

In 2019, Gretchen Whitmer struggled with the Republican-controlled legislature to pass a budget and made several concessions.

2019: Canceled Sale of Former State Prison

In 2019, Whitmer canceled the sale of a former state prison due to concerns that the purchasing company might use the facility as an immigrant detention center, potentially separating families under the Trump administration's family separation policy.

March 2020: Stay-at-Home Order Issued

In March 2020, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Whitmer issued a stay-at-home order in Michigan.

March 2020: Trump's Remark "Don't Call the Woman in Michigan"

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", supposedly in response to Whitmer's earlier criticisms of the Trump administration's initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitmer later embraced this description.

April 2020: Legal Challenge to Stay-at-Home Order Rejected

In April 2020, a Michigan judge rejected a legal challenge to Governor Whitmer's stay-at-home order, affirming the state's power to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2020: Protest Against Restrictions

In April 2020, right-wing groups organized a protest against the COVID-19 restrictions at the Michigan State Capitol, with 3,000 to 4,000 protesters gathering.

May 2020: Edenville Dam Failure and Investigation

In May 2020, the Edenville Dam gave way, leading Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to direct the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to form an investigation.

September 2020: COVID-19 Orders Under Emergency Powers Act

In September 2020, Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19-related orders, which were issued under the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act from March through September 2020, faced criticism from Republicans.

October 2020: Michigan Supreme Court Decision on Emergency Powers

In October 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act was unconstitutional and also 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.

December 2020: Veto of Repeal Legislation

In December 2020, Gretchen Whitmer vetoed legislation passed by the legislature to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, despite the ongoing criticisms against her COVID-19 orders.

2020: Disapproved of Trump's Census Plan

In 2020, Whitmer disapproved of President Trump's plan to exclude illegal immigrants from the United States census.

May 2021: Apology for Social Distancing Violation

In May 2021, Gretchen Whitmer apologized after being photographed with a large group of unmasked people, with no social distancing, at a restaurant in East Lansing, violating state-mandated social distancing guidelines.

July 2021: Legislature Approves Citizen Initiative to Repeal Act

In July 2021, the legislature approved a citizen initiative to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, which Gretchen Whitmer could not veto, leading to the repeal taking effect.

April 2023: Signed Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

In April 2023, Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of gun violence prevention legislation into law, including universal background checks, safe storage laws, firearm safety device tax exemptions, and new licensure requirements for gun owners, following the 2021 Oxford High School shooting and 2023 Michigan State University shooting.