Governor Whitmer’s New Role Raises Questions About Her Political Future
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent appointment as the Vice Chair of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) has reignited discussions about her potential ambitions for higher office. Despite her insistence on not seeking a larger role, her new position places her at the heart of the Democratic Party’s strategy for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
The DGA vice chairmanship is a substantial role, involving significant responsibilities such as fundraising, advising campaigns, and supporting Democratic candidates nationwide. Whitmer’s appointment comes amidst various reports that suggest a nuanced stance on her national ambitions. She has been described as quietly stepping back from the spotlight, yet maintaining a working relationship with former President Donald Trump, and being a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race. These mixed signals have left many wondering about her true intentions.
One pressing question remains: Does Governor Whitmer, who is term-limited, intend to run for president in 2028? As veteran political reporter Zack Stanton from MS NOW noted on the IJP podcast, “There’s no upside to saying, ‘no, I’m not interested in being president.’ But there is a huge upside to saying… ‘maybe’ or at least keeping quiet about it.”
Adding to the speculation, Nancy Kaffer, Editorial Page Editor of the Detroit Free Press, commented, “Anytime you ask her if she’s running for president, she says ‘no’… The only thing she has done to stoke people’s belief that she is running for president is to continue to exist.”
Whitmer’s relationship with Trump further complicates her political narrative. While it might affect her chances of securing the Democratic nomination, it could also enhance her appeal to independent voters. “It has not escaped my notice that Trump has not even twitched towards sending the National Guard into Detroit… We are not seeing senior citizens being body slammed on sidewalks,” Kaffer remarked, highlighting Whitmer’s balancing act between party lines.
Ultimately, Whitmer’s current position allows her to expand her influence and network without committing to a presidential run. As Stanton observed, Whitmer “is such a Rorschach test where you can project on her whatever you want… that strategic ambiguity is where she lives.”
In other political news, Michigan Democrats are strategizing after Republicans used a rarely invoked legislative power to cut $645 million from the state budget. This has sparked significant tension as the cuts affect various programs, including those supporting students in Flint and survivors of child sexual assault.
Additionally, a new 24% wholesale tax on recreational marijuana is set to take effect, despite ongoing legal challenges. The tax is part of a road funding plan and has been upheld by the Michigan Court of Claims, though it still faces opposition from the cannabis industry.
Meanwhile, a legislative dispute over whether bills passed in the last session must be sent to the governor continues to unfold. The case has been taken to the Michigan Supreme Court, as Republicans and Democrats clash over the interpretation of the Michigan Constitution.
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Have questions about Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s future? Or, just want to let us know what you want more of (less of?) in the newsletter? We always want to hear from you! Shoot us an email at politics@michiganpublic.org!
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Yours in political nerdiness,
Rick Pluta & Zoe Clark
Co-hosts, It’s Just Politics
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