History of Gretchen Whitmer in Timeline

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

1931: Call for Repeal of Defunct Abortion Ban

In January 2023, Governor Whitmer called for a repeal of Michigan's now defunct 1931 abortion ban during her State of the State address.

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.

2000: Elected to Michigan House of Representatives

In 2000, Gretchen Whitmer was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives for the 70th district, succeeding Laura Baird. She campaigned on education and healthcare reform and environmental protections, receiving 17,409 votes.

2002: Re-elected to the Michigan House

In 2002, Gretchen Whitmer was re-elected to the 69th House district in Michigan.

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.

2004: Re-elected to the Michigan House for the 69th district.

In 2004, Gretchen Whitmer was re-elected to the 69th House district in Michigan. She also served as vice chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee.

March 2006: Elected to Michigan State Senate

In March 2006, Gretchen Whitmer won a special election to the Michigan State Senate, replacing Virg Bernero.

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.

2010: Re-elected to the Michigan State Senate

In 2010, Gretchen Whitmer was re-elected to the Michigan State Senate.

2011: Senate Democratic Leader

In 2011, Gretchen Whitmer was unanimously chosen by her Democratic colleagues to be the Senate Democratic Leader, making her the first woman to lead a party caucus in the Senate.

2011: Married Marc P. Mallory

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

2012: Michigan Passed Right-to-Work Law

In 2012, Michigan passed a 'right-to-work law' that was later repealed by Whitmer in 2023. This made Michigan the first state in 58 years to repeal such a law.

2013: Role in Passing Michigan's Medicaid Expansion

In 2013, as Senate minority leader, Whitmer played a key role in passing Michigan's Medicaid expansion by delivering the Democratic votes needed for its approval.

2015: Leaves Office in Michigan Senate

In 2015, Gretchen Whitmer left office in the Michigan Senate because she was unable to run for reelection in 2014 due to term limits.

May 11, 2016: Selected as Ingham County Prosecutor

On May 11, 2016, judges of Michigan's 30th Judicial Circuit Court unanimously selected Gretchen Whitmer to serve the remaining six months of outgoing Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III's term.

June 21, 2016: Whitmer Administered Oath of Office as Prosecutor

On June 21, 2016, Gretchen Whitmer was administered the oath of office as prosecutor by Ingham County Circuit Court Chief Judge Janelle Lawless. She stated her priorities would be to determine if other officials knew about Dunnings's alleged crimes and to change how the office handled domestic violence and sexual assault cases.

July 2, 2016: Stuart Dunnings Resigns

On July 2, 2016, Stuart Dunnings III resigned as Ingham County Prosecutor, effective this date, after being charged with misconduct in office and prostitution-related offenses.

July 2016: Whitmer Issues Report on Dunnings Offenses

In July 2016, Gretchen Whitmer issued an 11-page report that concluded employees were never asked to compromise a case and she had full confidence that any problem that had existed in the office left with Mr. Dunnings.

December 31, 2016: Whitmer's Term Expires

On December 31, 2016, Gretchen Whitmer's term as Ingham County Prosecutor expired.

January 3, 2017: Announces Run for Governor

On January 3, 2017, Gretchen Whitmer announced that she would run in the 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race.

August 2018: Wins Democratic Primary

In August 2018, Gretchen Whitmer became the Democratic nominee in the Michigan gubernatorial race, winning 52% of the vote.

2018: Gubernatorial Campaign

In 2018, Gretchen Whitmer campaigned for governor, focusing on improving Michigan's "fundamentals" such as schools, roads, and water systems. Her main opponent was Republican Bill Schuette.

2018: Endorsed by Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign endorsed Whitmer during her 2018 campaign for governor.

2019: Budget Struggles in the Legislature

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

2019: Canceled Sale of Former State Prison

In 2019, Whitmer canceled the sale of a former state prison due to concerns that the purchasing company might use the facility as an immigrant detention center, potentially separating families under the Trump administration's family separation policy.

2019: Created Office of Clean Water Public Advocate

In 2019, Whitmer created the office of the Clean Water Public Advocate and has enforced Michigan's recently updated lead and copper drinking water rule, which has the nation's strictest standards for drinking water contamination.

2019: Supported Undocumented Immigrants' Access to Driver's Licenses

In 2019, Whitmer expressed her support for plans to provide undocumented immigrants with driver's licenses or a form of government ID.

February 2020: 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. This was due in part to Michigan being a swing state during the 2020 election.

March 2020: Stay-at-Home Order Issued

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

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.

April 2020: Legal Challenge to Stay-at-Home Order Rejected

In April 2020, a Michigan judge rejected a legal challenge to Governor Whitmer's stay-at-home order, affirming the state's power to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2020: Protest Against Restrictions

In April 2020, right-wing groups organized a protest against the COVID-19 restrictions at the Michigan State Capitol, with 3,000 to 4,000 protesters gathering.

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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May 2020: Edenville Dam Failure and Investigation

In May 2020, the Edenville Dam gave way, leading Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to direct 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 and moved the state to "phase four" of her reopening plan.

September 2020: COVID-19 Orders Under Emergency Powers Act

In September 2020, Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19-related orders, which were issued under the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act from March through September 2020, faced criticism from Republicans.

October 2020: Michigan Supreme Court Decision on Emergency Powers

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

December 2020: Veto of Repeal Legislation

In December 2020, Gretchen Whitmer vetoed legislation passed by the legislature to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, despite the ongoing criticisms against her COVID-19 orders.

2020: Announced the Rebuilding Michigan Program

In 2020, Whitmer announced the Rebuilding Michigan program. This program provided $3.5 billion in state funding for over 120 road projects over the next five years, with a focus on major roads that have the greatest economic impact and traffic volume.

2020: Disapproved of Trump's Census Plan

In 2020, Whitmer disapproved of President Trump's plan to exclude illegal immigrants from the United States census.

2020: Signed Bill Ending Surprise Medical Billing

In 2020, Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill into law to end surprise medical billing in Michigan. This requires providers to negotiate bills for out-of-network emergency services with the patient's insurance company instead of the patient directly.

2020: Expanded Access to Mail-In Voting

In 2020, Whitmer signed an executive order expanding access to mail-in voting.

January 9, 2021: Declined Interest in Biden's Cabinet

On January 9, 2021, Gretchen Whitmer stated that she was not interested in leaving her position as governor of Michigan, despite speculations that she might be offered a role in President Biden's cabinet.

January 2021: Vice Chair Candidate for Democratic National Committee

In January 2021, Gretchen Whitmer co-chaired Biden's inaugural committee and was nominated as a vice chair candidate for the Democratic National Committee and was elected on January 20 unopposed.

February 2021: Saturday Night Live Appearance

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

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May 2021: Apology for Social Distancing Violation

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, violating state-mandated social distancing guidelines.

June 22, 2021: All COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted

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

July 2021: Legislature Approves Citizen Initiative to Repeal Act

In July 2021, the legislature approved a citizen initiative to repeal the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act, which Gretchen Whitmer could not veto, leading to the repeal taking effect.

October 2021: Expanded Property Tax Exemptions for Small Businesses

In October 2021, Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation that expanded property tax exemptions for small businesses, providing $75 million in savings.

December 2021: Created SALT Tax Cap Workaround for Small Businesses

In December 2021, Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation creating a SALT tax cap workaround for small businesses, providing a total of $200 million in tax savings.

December 20, 2021: Signed House Bill 4603

On December 20, 2021, Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4603, a bipartisan measure that created a $1 billion economic development fund to attract manufacturers to Michigan.

2021: Rating Outlook Upgrades for Michigan

In 2021, S&P and Fitch both announced rating outlook upgrades for Michigan, citing the state's responsible fiscal management and economic success emerging from the pandemic.

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.

2022: Whitmer Reelected

In 2022, Gretchen Whitmer was reelected as governor of Michigan, defeating Republican nominee Tudor Dixon by nearly 11 points.

2022: Rainy-Day Fund Reaches All-Time High

In 2022, Michigan's rainy-day fund grew to an all-time high of $1.6 billion thanks to a $500 million deposit made in 2021 and an additional $180 million deposit in 2022 as part of bipartisan spending agreements.

2022: Secured Water Infrastructure Investments

In 2022, Whitmer secured $1.7 billion in water infrastructure investments as part of a nearly $5 billion bipartisan infrastructure deal signed into law. The package included funding for local governments to upgrade their drinking water systems, to replace lead service lines across the state, and to address other drinking water contaminants.

2022: Signed Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

In 2022, Whitmer signed a bipartisan $5 billion infrastructure deal. The deal included over $400 million for state and local roads and bridges. Whitmer also signed an executive order to streamline road repairs and directed agencies to speed up permitting for infrastructure projects. In 2022, she also announced the creation of the Michigan Infrastructure Office to coordinate between agencies and spend infrastructure funding more effectively.

2022: Signed Bills to Reduce Prescription Drug Prices

In 2022, Whitmer signed a bipartisan package of bills into law aimed at reducing prescription drug prices. These bills require pharmacists to disclose prices of cheaper generic drugs to patients and mandate that pharmacy benefit managers be licensed and file drug-price transparency reports.

2022: Michigan Tax Burden Lowest in Midwest

In 2022, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Michigan had the fifth-lowest state and local tax burden in the nation and the lowest in the Midwest.

2022: Michigan Roads 'In Their Best Shape in Years'

In 2022, the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council's report found that Michigan's roads were 'in their best shape in years.' The report showed that the proportion of roads rated 'good' and 'fair' had increased, while the proportion of roads rated as 'poor' decreased.

2022: Endorsed by Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign endorsed Whitmer during her 2022 campaign for governor.

January 2023: State of the State Address

In her January 2023 State of the State address, Governor Whitmer called for the repeal of the state's retirement tax, an increase in the state earned income tax credit, universal pre-kindergarten, investment in renewable energy, repeal of Michigan's defunct 1931 abortion ban, increasing education spending, stricter gun laws, sexual identity and gender identity protections, and further investment in manufacturing.

March 2023: Expanded Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act

In March 2023, Whitmer signed legislation to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections against discrimination in employment and housing, based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill passed with bipartisan support.

March 2023: Repealed Right-to-Work Law

In March 2023, Whitmer signed the repeal of the state's 2012 'right-to-work law'. Michigan was the first state in 58 years to repeal such a law. She also signed legislation reinstating a prevailing wage law.

April 2023: Signed Bill Repealing 1931 Abortion Ban

In April 2023, Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill repealing the 1931 ban on abortion in Michigan, ensuring abortion access in the state.

April 2023: Signed Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

In April 2023, Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of gun violence prevention legislation into law, including universal background checks, safe storage laws, firearm safety device tax exemptions, and new licensure requirements for gun owners, following the 2021 Oxford High School shooting and 2023 Michigan State University shooting.

April 25, 2023: Named Co-Chair of Biden's Reelection Campaign

On April 25, 2023, Gretchen Whitmer was named co-chair of President Biden's reelection campaign.

May 2023: Signed Red Flag Law

In May 2023, Gretchen Whitmer signed a red flag law in Michigan, which took effect in February 2024.

November 2023: Signed Election-Related Bills

In November 2023, Whitmer signed a series of election-related bills. The package of legislation expands automatic citizen voter registration and makes it a criminal offense to intimidate or threaten a poll worker. It clarifies the canvassing boards' duty to certify election results. This was partly in response to attempts to subvert the 2020 election.

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.

2023: Signed Bipartisan Tax Cuts Package

In 2023, Whitmer signed a bipartisan $1 billion package of tax cuts into law. The legislation repealed the retirement tax, quintupled the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, and allocated up to $500 million per year of corporate taxes towards the state's fund for business incentives.

2023: Inducted into Michigan Women's Hall of Fame

In 2023, Whitmer was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.

2023: Road Conditions Show Slight Deterioration

The Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council's 2023 report found that 'slightly fewer roads were in good condition and slightly more were deemed poor.' However, the report indicated it was a good sign that roads had not deteriorated substantially from the gains made in the previous year.

February 2024: Red Flag Law Takes Effect

In February 2024, the red flag law signed by Gretchen Whitmer in May 2023 took effect in Michigan.

March 2024: Hinted at 2028 Presidential Run

In a speech in Washington D.C. in March 2024, Gretchen Whitmer hinted at running for president in 2028, by saying, "See you in 2029."

July 2024: Endorsed Kamala Harris's Presidential Campaign

In July 2024, after Biden withdrew his candidacy, Gretchen Whitmer announced that she would not seek the Democratic nomination for president, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign and also refused to be Harris's running mate.

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: Signed Bill to Regulate Political Disinformation

In 2024, Whitmer signed a package of bills which includes a bill to regulate political disinformation campaigns ('materially deceptive media') by requiring artificial intelligence-generated political ads to contain disclaimers.

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.