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 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

August 23, 1971: Gretchen Whitmer Born

On August 23, 1971, Gretchen Esther Whitmer was born. She is now a lawyer and politician 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.

1988: Father became President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

In 1988, Gretchen Whitmer's father became the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a position he held until 2006.

1989: Graduated from Forest Hills Central High School

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

1993: Graduated with BA in Communication

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

1993: Graduated from Michigan State University

In 1993, Gretchen Whitmer graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in communication.

1998: Graduated with Juris Doctor Degree

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

2002: Birth of First Child and Death of Mother

In 2002, shortly after Gretchen Whitmer gave birth to her first child, her mother passed away from glioblastoma.

2006: Father leaves Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

In 2006, Gretchen Whitmer's father left his position as the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

2008: Divorced Gary Shrewsbury

In 2008, Gretchen Whitmer divorced her first husband, Gary Shrewsbury.

2011: Married Marc P. Mallory

In 2011, Gretchen Whitmer married dentist Marc P. Mallory, a Republican voter who identifies as fiscally conservative but socially liberal.

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.

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.

May 2020: Cecily Strong's Portrayal of Whitmer on Saturday Night Live

In May 2020, Cecily Strong portrayed Gretchen Whitmer on Saturday Night Live.

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

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

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.

February 2021: Cecily Strong's Portrayal of Whitmer on Saturday Night Live

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

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June 22, 2021: Lifted All COVID-19 Restrictions

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