Governor of Michigan

Gretchen Whitmer

Democrat · Michigan

49th Governor of Michigan, in office since 2019. Former state legislator and prosecutor. Re-elected in 2022. Became nationally prominent for her pandemic response and survived an alleged kidnapping plot. Focused on 'Fix the Damn Roads.'

Record

Pragmatic progressive who delivered on infrastructure, abortion rights (via constitutional amendment), and EV investment. Led Michigan's $1.3B infrastructure investment. Made Michigan a leader in electric vehicle manufacturing and battery production.

Legislative Record

Recently signed into law

• MI FY26 Budget — FY 2026 Bipartisan State Budget ($81B) (Signed into law, Oct 7, 2025)
  Signed $81 billion FY 2026 state spending plan, including a new 24% wholesale tax on marijuana projected to raise ~$420 million annually for roads; ~$2 billion in ongoing road and bridge investments phased in over four years.
• MI HB 5435 et al. — 16 Reproductive Freedom Bills — Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraception (Signed into law, Jan 21, 2025)
  Signed a package of 16 bills expanding reproductive freedom, including authorizing Michigan pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptives directly and requiring insurer coverage; HB 5636 licenses freestanding birth centers.

Executive orders & directives

• MI EO — Executive Directive on ACA Marketplace Coverage (In effect, Aug 8, 2025)
  Issued executive directive instructing the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services to expand outreach and education so residents could maintain affordable ACA marketplace coverage following federal eligibility tightening.

Rate Gretchen Whitmer on iRate — cast your emoji verdict and see how America rates Governor of Michigan.