Gretchen Whitmer's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 14, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Gretchen Whitmer.

Gretchen Whitmer is the 49th and current governor of Michigan, serving since 2019. As a member of the Democratic Party, she previously held positions in the Michigan House of Representatives (2001-2006) and the Michigan Senate (2006-2015).

Sections (6)

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

1987: Awarded Most Improved Student

In 1987, Gretchen Whitmer was awarded most improved student at Forest Hills Central High School.

2005: Voted Most Effective Democrat

In 2005, Gretchen Whitmer was voted Most Effective Democrat of the Michigan House.

2013: Key Role in Passing Michigan's Medicaid Expansion

In 2013, as Senate minority leader, Gretchen Whitmer played a pivotal role in securing the Democratic votes necessary to pass Michigan's Medicaid expansion.

August 2018: Became Democratic Nominee for Governor

In August 2018, Gretchen Whitmer became the Democratic nominee for governor of Michigan, winning 52% of the vote.

2018: Elected Governor of Michigan

In 2018, Gretchen Whitmer was elected governor of Michigan, defeating Republican nominee Bill Schuette.

2018: Human Rights Campaign Endorsement

In 2018, the Human Rights Campaign endorsed Gretchen Whitmer during her campaign for governor.

2020: Announced Rebuilding Michigan Program

In 2020, Gretchen Whitmer announced the Rebuilding Michigan program, which allocated $3.5 billion in state funding for over 120 road projects over the next five years. The program focused on major roads with significant economic impact and high traffic volume.

2020: Signed Bill Ending Surprise Medical Billing

In 2020, Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill into law, effectively ending surprise medical billing in Michigan. This legislation mandates that healthcare providers negotiate bills for out-of-network emergency services directly with a patient's insurance company, rather than burdening the patient.

January 2021: Nominated as Vice Chair Candidate for Democratic National Committee

In January 2021, then-President-elect Joe Biden nominated Gretchen Whitmer as a vice chair candidate for the Democratic National Committee.

October 2021: Expanded Property Tax Exemptions for Small Businesses

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

December 2021: Created SALT Tax Cap Workaround for Small Businesses

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

2021: Credit Rating Outlook Upgrade

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.

2022: Signed Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

In 2022, Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan $5 billion infrastructure deal that included over $400 million for state and local roads and bridges. She also signed an executive order aimed at streamlining road repairs by speeding up permitting for infrastructure projects and announced the creation of the Michigan Infrastructure Office to improve coordination between agencies and enhance the effectiveness of infrastructure funding allocation.

2022: Signed Bills Reducing Prescription Drug Prices

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

2022: Re-elected as Governor

In 2022, Gretchen Whitmer was re-elected as governor of Michigan, defeating Republican nominee Tudor Dixon.

2022: Re-elected Governor of Michigan

In 2022, Gretchen Whitmer was re-elected to a second term as governor of Michigan, defeating Republican nominee Tudor Dixon.

2022: Human Rights Campaign Endorsement

In 2022, the Human Rights Campaign endorsed Gretchen Whitmer during her campaign for governor.

2022: Michigan's Rainy-Day Fund Reached All-Time High

Thanks to deposits made in 2021 and 2022, Michigan's rainy-day fund grew to an all-time high of $1.6 billion in 2022 under Gretchen Whitmer's leadership.

March 2023: Expanded Civil Rights Act

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

March 2023: Repealed "Right-to-Work" Law

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

2023: Signed $1 Billion Tax Cut Package

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