Gretchen Whitmer, born on August 23, 1971, in East Lansing, Michigan, has had a distinguished career in American politics. At 52, Whitmer serves as the governor of Michigan, a position she has held since 2019. She is married to Marc Mallory, a dentist, and they have five children from their blended family. Whitmer’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million.
Early Life and Education
Gretchen Whitmer is the eldest of three children. Her mother, Sherry Whitmer, was the state’s assistant attorney general, and her father, Richard Whitmer, held an executive position at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Whitmer was 10 when her parents divorced, leading her to live with her mother and siblings in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating from Michigan State University (MSU) in 1993, she initially considered a career as a sports broadcaster. However, her path led her to the Detroit College of Law, where she earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1998. Following her graduation, she began working at the law firm Dickinson Wright.
Political Beginnings
In the 1990s, Whitmer became increasingly active in politics. In 2000, she was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, assuming her seat in 2001. Her tenure in the House lasted until 2006, during which she championed several Democratic policies, focusing on gun control and workers’ rights.
Michigan State Senate
Whitmer’s political career advanced when she won a special election to the state Senate in 2006. In 2011, she made history by becoming the first woman to head a caucus in the Senate as the Democratic minority leader. Whitmer was a staunch advocate for abortion rights, famously opposing a 2013 Republican-backed law that restricted health insurance coverage for elective abortions. During the debate, she courageously revealed her own experience of being sexually assaulted in college, underscoring the bill’s lack of exceptions for rape or incest victims. Despite her efforts, the legislation passed.
Gubernatorial Ambitions
After reaching her term limit in the Senate in 2014, Whitmer took a brief hiatus from politics, teaching at MSU and serving as interim prosecutor for Ingham County in 2016. In January 2017, she announced her candidacy for governor of Michigan. Her campaign emphasized job creation, increased education funding, and infrastructure improvements, encapsulated in her famous pledge to “fix the damn roads.” Whitmer’s moderate platform, coupled with her willingness to compromise, resonated with voters. She won the Democratic primary and easily defeated Republican nominee Bill Schuette in the 2018 general election, taking office in 2019.
Governorship
During her first year as governor, Whitmer championed several significant initiatives. She oversaw a bipartisan bill that reduced car insurance rates and became the first governor to announce a ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. However, her proposal to raise the gas tax to fund road improvements was met with resistance from Republicans and ultimately failed.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Whitmer’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased her national profile. In February 2020, she delivered the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. When the pandemic was declared in March 2020, Whitmer and other governors enacted measures such as business closures and mask mandates to curb the virus’s spread. Her criticism of the federal response led to public clashes with President Trump, who derogatorily referred to her as “Gretchen ‘Half’ Whitmer” and “that woman from Michigan.”
Challenges and Threats
Despite initial bipartisan support for her pandemic measures, opposition grew as Michigan’s economy struggled. In October 2020, a group of men was arrested for plotting to kidnap Whitmer. She attributed the plot to inflammatory rhetoric from Republican leaders, highlighting the dangerous consequences of political divisiveness.
Personal Life and Legacy
Gretchen Whitmer’s personal and professional life is a testament to resilience and dedication. Her husband, Marc Mallory, and their five children form a supportive family unit that has been with her throughout her political journey. Whitmer’s story is one of overcoming personal and political challenges, from her advocacy for women’s rights to her leadership during a global pandemic.
Conclusion
Gretchen Whitmer’s journey from a Michigan lawmaker to the governor’s office showcases her commitment to public service and her ability to navigate and lead through complex political landscapes. As she continues her tenure as governor, Whitmer remains a pivotal figure in American politics, exemplifying strength, courage, and the relentless pursuit of progress.