Gretchen Whitmer is the 49th Governor of Michigan, serving since January 2019. She was re-elected in November 2022 by approximately 11 percentage points over Tudor Dixon. She is term-limited and her second term ends January 2027. Her tenure has been defined by Michigan's COVID-19 response (including a 2020 thwarted kidnapping plot targeting her), repeal of right-to-work (2023), restoration of automotive-industry investment, and being a frequent 2024 Democratic vice-presidential and presidential speculation subject (declined both).
Four promises chosen to span how voters across the political spectrum view this politician's record.
Whitmer's defining 2018 campaign slogan. She proposed a 45-cents-per-gallon gas tax increase in 2019; the Republican legislature rejected it. She instead used bonding to fund $3.5B in road repairs (Rebuilding Michigan program). Federal IIJA funds (Whitmer secured) added $7.3B. Michigan road quality improved on PASER ratings but did not reach 'fixed' as Whitmer's framing implied.
Signed repeal of Michigan's right-to-work law (March 2023) — the first U.S. state to repeal right-to-work in nearly 60 years. Restoration of unions' ability to collect dues from non-members in unionized workplaces.
Voters passed Proposal 3 (November 2022, 56-44) constitutionalizing abortion rights. Whitmer signed implementing legislation. Michigan's pre-Roe abortion ban (1931) was repealed (November 2024).
Secured approximately $25B+ in announced auto-industry investments including GM Lansing EV facility, Ford BlueOval (initially), Stellantis Detroit assembly. IRA tax credits drove additional investment. UAW strike (Fall 2023) ended favorably for workers with Whitmer support.
Climate action.
Signed Clean Energy Future package (November 2023) requiring 100% clean electricity by 2040. Multiple climate-investment programs launched.
Reduce gun violence.
Signed red-flag law, universal background checks, and safe-storage requirements (April 2023) — Michigan's first major gun-safety package in decades. Followed Oxford High School (Nov 2021) and MSU (Feb 2023) shootings.
Expand voting rights.
Signed implementation of Proposal 2 (November 2022, voters approved) constitutionalizing nine-day early voting, automatic registration, and other expansions.
Expand healthcare access.
Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid expansion) maintained. Expanded Medicaid postpartum coverage.
Defend public schools / reverse education-budget cuts.
Increased per-pupil funding to record levels. Universal free school meals program. Adjusted school-aid formula to address funding inequities.
Win 2022 re-election.
Won November 2022 re-election 55-44 over Tudor Dixon.
Bipartisan governance.
Worked with Republican-led legislature 2019-2022; Democratic trifecta 2023-2024. Negotiated tax cuts, infrastructure bonding, and COVID-era responses across party lines in early tenure.
Reduce auto insurance costs.
Signed 2019 auto-insurance reform package. Premium reductions occurred but unevenly; some consumer groups argued reforms inadequately addressed PIP changes.
Address Michigan's water infrastructure (Flint legacy).
Lead service line replacement program scaled. PFAS contamination response programs launched. Substantive multi-year program; complete elimination of lead service lines pending.
Reduce state spending / balance budget.
Michigan budget balanced each year. State rainy day fund grew. Whether the spending levels reflect 'reduced' versus 'increased' depends on framework — total state spending grew nominally during her tenure.
With enough demand for objective journalism, SEALED Press researches and writes the next book in the series — full case studies, paper trails, and color-coded verdicts on every promise this politician has made.