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 49th and current governor of Michigan, serving since 2019. A Democrat, she previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006 and then in the Michigan Senate from 2006 to 2015. She is a lawyer by profession and has dedicated her career to public service in the state of Michigan.

Sections (6)

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

2013: Shared Sexual Assault Experience

In 2013, Gretchen Whitmer gained national attention for a floor speech during a debate on abortion in which she shared her experience of being sexually assaulted.

2019: Struggled to Pass Budget

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

March 2020: Issued Stay-at-Home Order

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

April 2020: Stay-at-Home Order Upheld by Michigan Judge

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

April 2020: Protests Against Restrictions

In April 2020, right-wing groups organized protests against Governor Whitmer's COVID-19 restrictions in Michigan.

April 2020: Armed Protestors at the Michigan State Capitol

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

May 2020: Edenville Dam Failure

In May 2020, the Edenville Dam gave way, leading to criticism of the investigation directed by Governor Whitmer.

September 2020: COVID-19 Orders under Emergency Powers Act

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

October 8, 2020: Federal Indictment Unsealed Against Men for Plotting to Kidnap Whitmer

On October 8, 2020, a federal indictment was unsealed against six men associated with the Wolverine Watchmen for 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 and "Unlock Michigan" Initiative

In October 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act unconstitutional. On the same day, the group "Unlock Michigan" sought to trigger an initiative to repeal the 1945 act.

December 2020: Veto of Repeal Legislation

In December 2020, Gretchen Whitmer vetoed the legislation passed by the legislature to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act.

January 2021: Call for Ban on Weapons in Michigan State Capitol

In January 2021, Gretchen Whitmer called for a ban on all weapons inside the Michigan State Capitol in response to armed protestors in April 2020.

July 2021: Legislature Approves Citizen Initiative

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.

April 2022: Acquittal of Two Men in Kidnapping Plot

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

August 2022: Conviction of Two Men in Kidnapping Plot

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

October 2022: Conviction of Three Men for Providing Material Support

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.