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 the current governor of Michigan, serving since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, her political career includes terms in the Michigan House of Representatives (2001-2006) and the Michigan Senate (2006-2015) before becoming governor. As governor, she has focused on issues such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Sections (6)

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

2012: Michigan's Right-to-Work Law

In 2012, Michigan established a "right-to-work law".

2013: Shared Experience of Sexual Assault

In 2013, Gretchen Whitmer gained national attention for sharing her experience of being sexually assaulted during a debate on abortion.

2013: Revealed Sexual Assault

In 2013, Gretchen Whitmer received national recognition when she revealed that she had been the victim of rape during her freshman year at Michigan State University, during a debate about abortion rights.

2018: Healthcare Stance

In 2018, Gretchen Whitmer spoke against single-payer healthcare as unrealistic on a state level but expressed support for federal-level Medicare for All. She also vowed to lower prescription drug costs and eliminate Schuette's drug immunity law, which she believes protects drug companies.

2019: Struggled to Pass Budget

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

March 2020: Stay-at-Home Order Issued

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

March 2020: Trump's Remark and Whitmer's Response

In late March 2020, President Donald Trump reportedly told Vice President Mike Pence, "don't call the woman in Michigan," seemingly in response to Whitmer's criticism of the Trump administration's initial COVID-19 pandemic response. This event brought national attention to Whitmer.

April 2020: Legal Challenge Rejected

In April 2020, a Michigan judge rejected a legal challenge to Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order, holding that the state had the power to protect public health.

April 2020: Protest Against Restrictions

In April 2020, right-wing groups organized a protest against Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19 restrictions at the Michigan State Capitol.

April 2020: Armed protestors at the Michigan State Capitol

In April 2020, there were armed protestors at the Michigan State Capitol, leading to Gretchen Whitmer calling for a ban on all weapons inside the Capitol in January 2021.

May 2020: Edenville Dam Gave Way

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.

June 1, 2020: Stay-at-Home Order Lifted

On June 1, 2020, Gretchen Whitmer lifted Michigan's stay-at-home order, moving the state to "phase four" of her reopening plan.

September 2020: Whitmer's COVID-19-related orders issued

In September 2020, Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19-related orders, issued under the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, were in effect. Republicans criticized her use of the law.

October 8, 2020: Federal indictment unsealed against men plotting to kidnap Whitmer

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 Gretchen Whitmer and violently overthrow Michigan's government.

October 2020: Kidnapping Plot Thwarted

In October 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation thwarted a far-right militia group's kidnapping plot against Gretchen Whitmer.

October 2020: Michigan Supreme Court decision on Emergency Powers Act

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

December 2020: Whitmer vetoed repeal of Emergency Powers Act

In December 2020, Gretchen Whitmer vetoed legislation passed by the legislature to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, which she had been using to issue COVID-19 related orders.

May 2021: Apology for Unmasked Photo

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. She was seen violating state-mandated social distancing guidelines.

June 22, 2021: COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted

On June 22, 2021, Gretchen Whitmer lifted all COVID-19 restrictions in Michigan, citing a reduction in COVID-19 cases and the availability of vaccines.

July 2021: Legislature approved citizen initiative to repeal 1945 act

In July 2021, the legislature voted to approve the citizen initiative to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act. Under state law, Whitmer could not veto this step, and the repeal took effect.

April 2022: Acquittal of men charged in Whitmer kidnapping plot

In April 2022, two men (Harris and Caserta) were acquitted on all charges related to the plot to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer, on grounds of entrapment by federal authorities.

August 2022: Convictions in Whitmer kidnapping plot

In August 2022, two men (Fox and Barry Croft Jr.) were convicted of conspiracy to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer.

October 2022: Further convictions in Whitmer kidnapping plot

In October 2022, three men (Morrison, Musico, and Bellar) were convicted of providing material support for a terrorist act related to the plot to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer. Additionally, Garbin and Franks pleaded guilty.

2022: Uncertainty regarding Michigan's abortion statute

In 2022, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it was unclear whether Michigan's 1931 statute criminalizing abortion procedures and drugs was operative.