Gretchen Whitmer: A Look at Michigan’s Governor’s Final Year in Office

Gretchen Whitmer: Assessing the Legacy of Michigan’s Governor

As Michigan approaches the end of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s final term, it’s a crucial time to evaluate her impact on the state. Governor Whitmer is set to deliver her final State of the State address, outlining priorities as her time in office nears its conclusion. This article delves into her key promises, significant achievements, and the challenges she’s faced during her tenure.

Promises Made, Progress Delivered

Throughout her election and re-election campaigns, Governor Whitmer made several key pledges to Michiganders. These included a commitment to “fixing the damn roads,” boosting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and modernizing civil rights laws. Let’s examine how these promises have translated into action.

Key Achievements Under Governor Whitmer

Infrastructure Investment: Significant road funding packages were passed in the 2025 budget, addressing a long-standing concern for Michigan residents.
Gun Safety Legislation: The implementation of red flag and safe storage gun laws aimed to enhance public safety.
Distracted Driving & Classroom Focus: A new law addressing distracted driving was enacted, alongside a ban on smartphone use in classrooms, promoting safer roads and more focused learning environments.
Reproductive Rights: Michigan repealed its long-standing abortion ban, safeguarding reproductive freedom for its citizens.
LGBTQ+ Rights: The Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Law was expanded to provide broader work and housing protections for LGBTQ+ Michiganders.
School Nutrition: In 2023, a $160 million investment ensured free breakfast and lunch for all public school students.
EV Manufacturing Leadership: Governor Whitmer envisioned Michigan becoming a national leader in EV battery manufacturing by 2030, attracting substantial private investment in EV infrastructure, including assembly plants and battery production facilities.

Michigan’s Rise as an Automotive and EV Hub

In 2023, Business Facilities ranked Michigan number one in the country for automotive manufacturing and EV investment, a testament to the state’s growing prominence in the electric vehicle sector. This recognition underscored the success of Governor Whitmer’s strategy to position Michigan at the forefront of the automotive revolution.

Challenges and Shifting Landscapes

Despite the successes, challenges have emerged. While initial projections were optimistic, achieving a tax rebate for EVs has proven difficult. A recent downward shift in the market is causing a reevaluation of the initial trajectory. The evolving EV market presents new hurdles for maintaining Michigan’s competitive edge.

Looking Ahead: Satisfaction and Expectations

As Governor Whitmer enters her final year in office, the question remains: how satisfied are Michiganders with the progress made versus the promises initially outlined? The final State of the State address will be a critical opportunity to address these concerns and articulate a vision for the future of Michigan.