Early Life and Education of Gretchen Whitmer: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Gretchen Whitmer. A timeline of key moments.

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

August 23, 1971: Gretchen Whitmer Born

On August 23, 1971, Gretchen Esther Whitmer was born. She is an American lawyer and politician who has been serving as the 49th governor of Michigan since 2019.

1985: Attended Forest Hills Central High School

From 1985 to 1989, Gretchen Whitmer attended Forest Hills Central High School near Grand Rapids, participating in the school's softball and track and field teams.

1987: Most Improved Student

In 1987, Gretchen Whitmer was awarded most improved student at her school.

1988: Father became CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield

In 1988, Richard Whitmer, Gretchen Whitmer's father, became the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

1989: Graduated from Forest Hills Central High School

In 1989, Gretchen Whitmer graduated from Forest Hills Central High School near Grand Rapids.

1993: Graduated from Michigan State University

In 1993, Gretchen Whitmer graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication.

1998: Juris Doctor degree

In 1998, Gretchen Whitmer earned a Juris Doctor degree.

1998: Graduated from Michigan State University College of Law

In 1998, Gretchen Whitmer graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude.

2001: Married Gary Shrewsbury

In 2001, Gretchen Whitmer married Gary Shrewsbury, a photographer.

2002: Birth of First Child and Mother's Death

In 2002, Whitmer gave birth to her first child shortly before her mother died of glioblastoma at the age of 59.

2006: Father's tenure ended at Blue Cross Blue Shield

In 2006, Richard Whitmer's tenure as president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan ended.

2008: Divorced Gary Shrewsbury

In 2008, Whitmer divorced Gary Shrewsbury, though they remain close.

2011: Married Marc P. Mallory

In 2011, Whitmer married Marc P. Mallory, a dentist.

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: Whitmer spoke at Hash Bash to endorse Proposal 1

In 2018, as a candidate for governor, Gretchen Whitmer spoke at Hash Bash to endorse Proposal 1 to legalize recreational cannabis in Michigan.

2019: Whitmer celebrated legalization of recreational cannabis

In 2019, as governor, Gretchen Whitmer reappeared at Hash Bash via video message to celebrate the legalization of recreational cannabis in Michigan.

February 2020: Whitmer delivered Democratic response to State of the Union address

In February 2020, Gretchen Whitmer was selected to deliver the Democratic response to the State of the Union address by then President Donald Trump.

May 2020: Cecily Strong portrayed Whitmer on Saturday Night Live

In May 2020, Cecily Strong portrayed Gretchen Whitmer on Saturday Night Live, after tweets in which Trump attacked her and dismissed her as "the woman in Michigan", Whitmer changed the wording to the more specific "that woman in Michigan" in speeches and on T-shirts, gaining a greater national profile as Trump's original wording was forgotten.

Loading Video...

May 2020: Gmac Cash Released "Big Gretch"

In May 2020, Detroit-based comedy rapper Gmac Cash released "Big Gretch", a song praising Whitmer and the COVID-19 lockdown. The song went viral on YouTube.

Loading Video...

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.

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.

2020: Whitmer described herself as a progressive Democrat

In 2020, Gretchen Whitmer described herself as a progressive Democrat who can work with legislators with different political perspectives.

2020: Whitmer spoke at the Democratic National Convention

In 2020, Gretchen Whitmer spoke at the Democratic National Convention, praising Biden's work and criticizing Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Whitmer vetted as potential vice presidential running mate

In 2020, Gretchen Whitmer was vetted by Joe Biden's team as a potential running mate during the Democratic Party vice presidential candidate selection. Though on the shortlist, Kamala Harris was ultimately selected.

2020: Whitmer endorsed Joe Biden and joined his campaign

In early March 2020, days before the Michigan Democratic presidential primary, Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Joe Biden and joined his campaign as a national co-chair.

February 2021: Cecily Strong portrayed Whitmer on Saturday Night Live

In February 2021, Cecily Strong portrayed Gretchen Whitmer on Saturday Night Live episodes.

Loading Video...

2023: Social Media Popularity

As of 2023, Whitmer is popular on social media, with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers and 4 million TikTok likes.

2023: Whitmer Discussed "Big Gretch" Nickname

Whitmer told WNEM-TV in 2023, "Big Gretch is kind of a persona that came out of the pandemic. It was an acknowledgment that has gone through some tough stuff, and this was a nickname that came about because people wanted to give me a little encouragement. And so it was never a nickname I thought about or would have picked, but it's one that I really appreciate. And I think it's there. It's funny, too."

2024: Addressed Nickname at Democratic National Convention

Whitmer addressed the "Big Gretch" nickname at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, saying, "In Lansing, they call me governor, but in Detroit, I’m 'Big Gretch!'"