Gretchen Whitmer

Governor of Michigan

<1%±0

Chance of winning the 2028 Democratic nomination, 9th among the contenders we track. Kalshi <1% · Polymarket <1%

Markets: Kalshi · Polymarket

Background

A former state legislator who led Senate Democrats in Lansing, Whitmer won the governorship in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. Her second term ends in January 2027.

Born: August 5, 1971 in Lansing, Michigan (age 55)
Home state: Michigan
Education: Michigan State University; Michigan State University College of Law

Career

Governor of Michigan (2019–)
Michigan Senate (2006–2015)
Michigan House (2001–2006)

Notable record

Re-elected in 2022 by about 11 points
Signed the 2023 repeal of Michigan's right-to-work law
Ran in 2018 on a pledge to "fix the damn roads"

Other Democratic contenders

Alexandria Ocasio-CortezU.S. Representative from New York14%
Gavin NewsomGovernor of California13%
Josh ShapiroGovernor of Pennsylvania5%
Pete ButtigiegFormer U.S. Secretary of Transportation5%

Facts as of November 5, 2026. Photo via Wikimedia Commons. Spot an error? Tell us. See all candidates or the 2028 forecast.