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 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

August 23, 1971: Gretchen Whitmer Born

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

1988: Richard Whitmer becomes CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

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

2002: Birth of First Child and Death of Mother

In 2002, shortly after giving birth to her first child, Whitmer's mother passed away due to glioblastoma.

2006: Richard Whitmer leaves Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

In 2006, Gretchen Whitmer's father, Richard Whitmer, left his position as the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a role he had held since 1988.

2008: Divorced Gary Shrewsbury

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

2011: Married Marc P. Mallory

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

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.

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

In May 2020, Cecily Strong portrayed Gretchen Whitmer on Saturday Night Live, further elevating her national profile after Donald Trump's dismissive remarks.

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May 2020: Gmac Cash Releases "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.

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February 2021: Saturday Night Live Appearance

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

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2021: Michigan Ready to Accept Afghan Refugees

In 2021, Whitmer declared that Michigan was prepared to accept Afghan refugee families fleeing the country amidst the Taliban takeover, following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. She emphasized Michigan's history of multiculturalism and readiness to support the refugees.

November 2023: Sister Dropped Out of Congressional Primary

In November 2023, Whitmer's sister, Liz Whitmer Gereghty, dropped out of the primary for the 2024 Democratic nomination for Congress in New York's 17th congressional district and endorsed former congressman Mondaire Jones.

2023: Social Media Presence and The Lip Bar Collaboration

As of 2023, Whitmer has a strong social media presence and is known for wearing deep magenta lipstick. A Detroit makeup store, The Lip Bar, released a lipstick product called "Big Gretch" in her honor.

2023: Whitmer Discusses 'Big Gretch' Persona

In 2023, Whitmer discussed the 'Big Gretch' persona, which she said emerged from the pandemic as an acknowledgement of her having gone through tough times, and a nickname that people gave her to offer encouragement.

2024: Being 'Woman from Michigan' a Badge of Honor

At the 2024 DNC, Whitmer said, "Being a woman from Michigan is a badge of honor."

2024: Whitmer Addresses Nickname at DNC

At the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Whitmer acknowledged her nickname, stating that in Lansing she is called governor, but in Detroit, she is known as 'Big Gretch!'

2024: Sister's Congressional Run

In 2024, Whitmer's sister, Liz Whitmer Gereghty, briefly ran for the Democratic nomination for Congress in New York's 17th congressional district before dropping out of the primary in November 2023.