Gretchen Whitmer is an American lawyer and politician who has been serving as the 49th Governor of Michigan since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she has a rich history in Michigan politics, having served in both the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate. This article explores her early life, education, political career, personal life, and achievements.
Early Life and Education
Gretchen Esther Whitmer was born on August 23, 1971, in Lansing, Michigan. She is the eldest of three children of Sharon H. “Sherry” Riggan and Richard Whitmer, both of whom were attorneys. Her father was head of the Michigan Department of Commerce under Governor William Milliken, a Republican, and later the President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Her mother worked as an Assistant Attorney General under Michigan Attorney General Frank J. Kelley.
Whitmer’s parents divorced when she was ten years old. Following the divorce, she and her siblings moved with their mother to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Despite the separation, her father remained a constant presence, traveling from his home in Detroit to visit the family at least once a week.
From 1985 to 1989, Whitmer attended Forest Hills Central High School near Grand Rapids. During her high school years, she participated in the school’s softball and track and field teams. After graduating from Forest Hills, she enrolled at Michigan State University to study communications. Whitmer initially aimed to become a broadcaster for ESPN but later shifted her focus to law. She graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Inspired by an internship with State Representative Curtis Hertel, Whitmer decided to pursue a legal career. She attended Michigan State University’s College of Law, where she was a member of the Michigan State Law Review. Whitmer graduated in 1998 with a Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude.
Early Career and Political Beginnings
After law school, Whitmer entered private practice in the Lansing office of the Detroit law firm Dickinson Wright. In 1999, she was elected chair of the East Lansing Transportation Commission. Her early involvement in local politics laid the foundation for her future political career.
In 2000, Whitmer ran for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives. She won the election and served from 2001 to 2006. Her tenure in the House was marked by her advocacy for healthcare, education, and workers’ rights.
Michigan Senate
In 2006, Whitmer was elected to the Michigan Senate, where she served until 2015. During her time in the Senate, she was known for her efforts to improve public education, expand healthcare access, and protect workers’ rights. From 2011 to 2015, Whitmer served as the Senate Minority Leader, becoming the first woman to hold this position.
Governorship
In 2018, Whitmer ran for Governor of Michigan. Her campaign focused on issues such as fixing the state’s infrastructure, improving education, and expanding healthcare access. She won the election and took office on January 1, 2019, becoming Michigan’s 49th governor.
As governor, Whitmer has faced numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Her response to the pandemic, which included implementing strict lockdown measures and advocating for widespread testing and vaccination, received both praise and criticism. Despite the controversies, Whitmer remained steadfast in her commitment to public health and safety.
Personal Life
Gretchen Whitmer has been married twice. She married her first husband, Gary Shrewsbury, in the early 2000s. The couple had two daughters, born 19 months apart. Tragically, shortly after the birth of her first child in 2002, Whitmer’s mother passed away from glioblastoma. Whitmer and Shrewsbury divorced in 2008.
In 2011, Whitmer married Dr. Marc Mallory, a dentist. Mallory is a Republican voter who identifies as fiscally conservative but socially liberal. He has three sons from a previous marriage. The blended family lives in the Michigan Governor’s Mansion in Lansing, Michigan, and owns a vacation cottage in Antrim County near Elk Rapids.
Whitmer’s daughters attended East Lansing High School and the University of Michigan. Her eldest daughter is openly gay, which Whitmer has publicly supported, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and equality.
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout her career, Whitmer has received numerous accolades for her work in politics and government. In 2023, she was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to public service and her role as a trailblazer for women in politics.
Whitmer has also been nominated for several awards, including the Shorty Impact Award for Government and Politics, highlighting her influence and dedication to public service.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Gretchen Whitmer’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.3 million. Her wealth comes from her career in law, her political roles, and investments. Despite her financial success, Whitmer remains committed to public service and continues to advocate for the people of Michigan.
Conclusion
Gretchen Whitmer’s journey from a young girl in Lansing, Michigan, to the Governor of Michigan is a story of dedication, resilience, and public service. Her career in politics has been marked by her commitment to improving the lives of Michiganders through healthcare, education, and infrastructure improvements. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitmer has remained a steadfast leader, demonstrating the strength and resolve needed to guide her state through difficult times.
Her personal life, marked by both triumphs and tragedies, showcases her resilience and dedication to her family. As a public figure, Whitmer continues to inspire many with her advocacy for equality, acceptance, and progress. Her legacy as a leader and trailblazer for women in politics will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations.