Gretchen Whitmer's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

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

1987: Most Improved Student

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

2000: Elected to Michigan House of Representatives

In 2000, Gretchen Whitmer won the election to the Michigan House of Representatives' 70th district.

2002: Re-elected to the 69th House district

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

2004: Re-elected to the 69th House district

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

2005: Most Effective Democrat

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

March 2006: Won special election to the Michigan State Senate

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

2010: Re-elected to Michigan Senate

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

2013: Key Role in Passing Michigan's Medicaid Expansion

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

August 2018: Became the Democratic Nominee

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

2018: Elected Governor of Michigan

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

February 2020: Democratic Response to State of the Union Address

In February 2020, Gretchen Whitmer was selected to give the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's 2020 State of the Union Address.

April 2020: Legal Challenge Rejected

In April 2020, a Michigan judge rejected a legal challenge to Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order, holding that the state had the power to protect public health.

2020: Signed Bill Ending Surprise Medical Billing

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

2022: Democrats took control of the Senate and House of Representatives

After the 2022 Michigan elections, Democrats took control of the Senate and House of Representatives, allowing Whitmer greater control of her legislative agenda.

2022: Whitmer supported Michigan Proposal 3

In 2022, Gretchen Whitmer strongly supported 2022 Michigan Proposal 3, a ballot proposal that amended the Michigan Constitution to include the right to reproductive freedom.

2022: Re-elected as Governor

In 2022, Gretchen Whitmer was reelected as governor, defeating Republican nominee Tudor Dixon.

2022: Signed Bills to Reduce Prescription Drug Prices

In 2022, Whitmer signed a bipartisan package of bills into law to reduce prescription drug prices by requiring pharmacists to disclose prices of cheaper generic drugs to patients and by requiring pharmacy benefit managers to be licensed and file drug-price transparency reports.

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.

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. Whitmer also signed legislation reinstating a prevailing wage law.