Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan

Gretchen Whitmer is the 49th Governor of Michigan, serving since 2019 and reelected in 2022 by over 10 points. A Michigan State University graduate with a J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law, she served in both the Michigan House and Senate — becoming Senate Democratic Leader at age 34 — before being elected governor. She has signed a major infrastructure investment package, repealed the state's right-to-work law, expanded paid sick leave, codified LGBTQ+ protections, and led Michigan's response to COVID-19, making her one of the highest-profile Democratic governors in the country.