Gretchen Whitmer: A Profile of Michigan's 49th Governor

Early Life and Education

Gretchen Esther Whitmer was born on August 23, 1971 in East Lansing, Michigan. She graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids and earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. She then went on to receive her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

Political Career

Whitmer began her political career by serving on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners from 2000 to 2006. She was elected to the Michigan State Senate in 2006 and served as its Minority Leader from 2011 to 2014. In 2014, she was elected as the 49th Governor of Michigan.

Successes as Governor

As governor, Whitmer has focused on revitalizing the state's economy and improving education. She has worked to attract new businesses to Michigan and has invested in infrastructure projects. She has also implemented policies to make college more affordable and has expanded access to healthcare.

Whitmer has gained national attention for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has implemented strict lockdown measures to slow the spread of the virus and has worked to expand testing and vaccination efforts.

Challenges as Governor

Whitmer has also faced challenges during her time as governor. She has been criticized for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and for her support of abortion rights. She has also been the target of a kidnapping plot by far-right extremists.

Personal Life

Whitmer is married to Marc Mallory, a dentist. They have two daughters together. She is an avid runner and enjoys playing the guitar.