Gretchen Whitmer: Perbedaan antara revisi

Whitmer awalnya mencalonkan diri untuk Dewan Perwakilan Michigan pada tahun 1990-an tetapi tidak berhasil.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=JilaniJuly 18 2018|first=Zaid JilaniZaid|last2=P.m|first2=5:06|title=A Blue Cross CEO Encouraged a Michigan Woman to Get Into Politics. Now She’s Running for Governor and Says Single Payer Is Unrealistic.|url=https://theintercept.com/2018/07/18/michigan-governor-race-gretchen-whitmer-blue-cross/|website=The Intercept|language=en|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2020-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122014711/https://theintercept.com/2018/07/18/michigan-governor-race-gretchen-whitmer-blue-cross/|dead-url=no}}</ref> Pada 2000, dia mencoba lagi dan terpilih untuk mewakili distrik legislatif ke-23. Dia terpilih kembali pada 2002 dan 2004.<ref name="MichManual">{{cite book|author=Michigan Legislative Service Bureau|year=2006|url=https://archive.org/details/michiganmanual00mich/page/129|title=Michigan Manual 2005–2006|location=[[Lansing, Michigan]]|publisher=Legislative Council, State of Michigan|isbn=1-878210-06-8|page=129|access-date=June 29, 2007|url-access=registration}}</ref>

Pada [[Maret 2006]], Whitmer memenangkan pemilihan khusus untuk Senat Negara Bagian Michigan, menggantikan Virg Bernero, yang telah terpilih sebagai walikota Lansing pada [[November 2005]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=B. T. L.|date=2006-02-02|title=Ingham County to hold special election to fill state Senate seat|url=https://pridesource.com/article/17392/|website=Pride Source|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306044538/https://pridesource.com/article/17392/|dead-url=no}}</ref> Dia terpilih untuk masa jabatan penuh pada bulan November, dan terpilih kembali pada 2010. Pada 2011, rekan Demokrat Whitmer dengan suara bulat memilihnya untuk menjadi Pemimpin Demokrat Senat, menjadikannya wanita pertama yang memimpin kaukus partai di Senat. Karena batasan masa jabatan, Whitmer tidak dapat mencalonkan diri kembali pada [[2014]] dan meninggalkan jabatannya pada [[2015]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2007-02-05|title=Senator Gretchen Whitmer, District 23|url=http://www.senate.mi.gov/whitmer/about.htm|website=web.archive.org|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2007-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205183624/http://www.senate.mi.gov/whitmer/about.htm|dead-url=unfit}}</ref>

Pada [[2013]], dia menerima pengakuan nasional ketika dia membahas pengalamannya mengalami pelecehan seksual.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Mitch|date=2020-02-04|title=Democrats Turn to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan for Trump State of the Union Response (Published 2020)|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union.html|newspaper=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516141441/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union.html|dead-url=no}}</ref> Dia menceritakan kisah tersebut selama debat tentang hak aborsi, khususnya bagi korban pemerkosaan, dengan alasan korban harus diizinkan untuk mengakhiri kehamilan akibat pemerkosaan.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Abbey-Lambertz|first=Kate|date=2013-12-12|title=Lawmaker Bravely Reveals She Was Victim Of Rape In Emotional 'Abortion Insurance' Debate|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gretchen-whitmer-rape_n_4432203|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-06-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604031920/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gretchen-whitmer-rape_n_4432203|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Pada 11 Mei 2016, diumumkan bahwa hakim Pengadilan Wilayah Yudisial ke-30 Michigan telah dengan suara bulat memilih Whitmer untuk menjalani enam bulan sisa masa jabatan Jaksa Wilayah Ingham, Stuart Dunnings III.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hinkley|first=Justin A.|title=Whitmer chosen for interim Ingham County prosecutor|url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/capitol/2016/05/11/whitmer-chosen-interim-ingham-county-prosecutor/84248374/|website=Lansing State Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809075548/https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/capitol/2016/05/11/whitmer-chosen-interim-ingham-county-prosecutor/84248374/|dead-url=no}}</ref> Dunnings ditangkap pada 14 Maret 2016, dan didakwa dengan 11 tuduhan termasuk keterlibatannya dengan pelacur.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-03-14|title=Ingham County Prosecutor allegedly engaged prostitutes 'hundreds of times'|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2016/03/ingham_county_prosecutor_alleg.html|website=mlive|language=en|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529222906/https://www.mlive.com/news/2016/03/ingham_county_prosecutor_alleg.html|dead-url=no}}</ref> Dalam sebuah surat tertanggal 29 Maret 2016, Dunnings mengumumkan bahwa ia akan mengundurkan diri efektif tanggal 2 Juli.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-03-29|title=Stuart Dunnings informs Ingham County he is resigning as prosecutor|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2016/03/stuart_dunnings_informs_ingham.html|website=mlive|language=en|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406164333/https://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2016/03/stuart_dunnings_informs_ingham.html|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Pada 21 Juni 2016, Whitmer diadministrasikan sumpah jabatan sebagai jaksa oleh Ketua Pengadilan Wilayah Ingham County, Janelle Lawless. Dia mengatakan bahwa prioritas utamanya selama enam bulan masa kerjanya adalah untuk menentukan apakah ada pejabat lain di kantor kejaksaan yang mengetahui tentang dugaan kejahatan Dunnings dan untuk mengubah cara kantor tersebut menangani kasus kekerasan dalam rumah tangga dan kekerasan seksual.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hinkley|first=Matt Mencarini, and Justin A.|title=Whitmer 'looking forward' to starting as prosecutor|url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2016/06/21/whitmer-looking-forward-starting-prosecutor/86139690/|website=Lansing State Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809075549/https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2016/06/21/whitmer-looking-forward-starting-prosecutor/86139690/|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Pada 22 Juli 2016, Whitmer mengeluarkan laporan berisikan 11 halaman tentang apakah dugaan aktivitas kriminal Dunnings telah memengaruhi kasus-kasus yang ditangani oleh kantor tersebut. Laporan tersebut menyimpulkan bahwa karyawan "tidak pernah diminta untuk mengkompromikan suatu kasus atau melihat ke arah lain" dan bahwa dia memiliki "keyakinan penuh bahwa setiap masalah yang ada di kantor ini diserahkan kepada Dunnings." Masa kerja Whitmer berakhir pada 31 Desember 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hinkley|first=Justin A.|title=Cases unaffected by Dunnings' alleged crimes, Whitmer says|url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/watchdog/2016/07/22/problems-left-mr-dunnings-whitmer-says/87431782/|website=Lansing State Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809075549/https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/watchdog/2016/07/22/problems-left-mr-dunnings-whitmer-says/87431782/|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-08-03|title=Wayback Machine|url=http://pa.ingham.org/Portals/PA/Documents/Report%20on%20the%20Status%20of%20the%20Ingham%20County%20Prosecutor%27s%20Office.pdf|website=web.archive.org|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2016-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803145021/http://pa.ingham.org/Portals/PA/Documents/Report%20on%20the%20Status%20of%20the%20Ingham%20County%20Prosecutor%27s%20Office.pdf|dead-url=unfit}}</ref>

Pada 3 Januari 2017, Whitmer mengumumkan bahwa dia akan mencalonkan diri dalam pemilihan gubernur Michigan 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Whitmer|first=Gretchen|date=2017-01-03|title=I’m ready — are you?|url=https://medium.com/@gretchenwhitmer_12225/im-ready-are-you-c150e9f75e97|website=Medium|language=en|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2019-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209124830/https://medium.com/@gretchenwhitmer_12225/im-ready-are-you-c150e9f75e97|dead-url=no}}</ref> Pada 7 Agustus 2018, Whitmer menjadi calon dari Partai Demokrat untuk gubernur Michigan.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Herndon|first=Astead W.|date=2018-08-08|title=Whitmer and Schuette Win Michigan Governor’s Nominations (Published 2018)|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/07/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-election-results.html|newspaper=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2018-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106152201/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/07/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-election-results.html|dead-url=no}}</ref> Dia memenangkan semua 83 kabupaten di negara bagian di pendahuluan Demokrat.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-09|title=2018 Michigan Unofficial Primary Election Results - 08/07/2018|url=https://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/2018PRI_CENR.html|website=web.archive.org|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2018-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809220343/https://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/2018PRI_CENR.html|dead-url=unfit}}</ref>

Pada Juli 2018, perwakilan dari Republik menuduh Whitmer mendukung gerakan untuk menghapus ICE, sebuah klaim yang dibantah oleh Whitmer. Dia mengatakan bahwa jika terpilih dia akan fokus pada peningkatan "mendasar" Michigan, seperti sekolah, jalan, dan sistem air.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-09-15|title=AP Interview: Whitmer focuses on 'fundamentals' like roads|url=https://apnews.com/article/74dead3614e346e495e064c3e42a6f13|website=AP NEWS|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-03-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309150119/https://apnews.com/article/74dead3614e346e495e064c3e42a6f13|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Lawan utama Whitmer adalah Bill Schuette dari Partai Republik. Kedua kandidat bertemu untuk debat pada 12 Oktober 2018, di Grand Rapids di WOOD-TV. Debat kedua diadakan di studio WDIV di Detroit pada 24 Oktober.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-13|title=Gretchen Whitmer, Bill Schuette butt heads at first gubernatorial debate|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2018/10/gretchen_whitmer_bill_schuette.html|website=mlive|language=en|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2022-10-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007121429/https://www.mlive.com/news/2018/10/gretchen_whitmer_bill_schuette.html|dead-url=no}}</ref> Whitmer mengalahkan Schuette dalam pemilihan pada 6 November dengan selisih hampir 10 poin.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-11-06|title=Michigan Election Results|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/06/us/elections/results-michigan-elections.html,%20https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/06/us/elections/results-michigan-elections.html|newspaper=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2021-02-06}}</ref>

Baik sebagai calon gubernur maupun sebagai gubernur, salah satu janji utama Whitmer adalah "memperbaiki jalan sialan", merujuk pada infrastruktur Michigan. Rencana awalnya pasca-pemilihan untuk mendanai perbaikan jalan dengan kenaikan pajak gas sebesar 45 sen per galon, yang sangat tidak populer. Salah satu jajak pendapat menemukan itu ditentang oleh 75% pemilih Michigan, termasuk mayoritas dari Demokrat dan independen.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-18|title=Poll: 75% oppose Whitmer's 45-cent gas tax hike plan|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-chad-livengood/poll-75-oppose-whitmers-45-cent-gas-tax-hike-plan|website=Crain's Detroit Business|language=en|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326003952/https://www.crainsdetroit.com/voices-chad-livengood/poll-75-oppose-whitmers-45-cent-gas-tax-hike-plan|dead-url=no}}</ref> Legislator Demokrat di badan legislatif yang dikendalikan Republik sebagian besar menolak untuk mendukung rencana tersebut.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-29|title=Michigan House Dem leader says Whitmer’s 45-cent gas tax is probably dead|url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-house-dem-leader-says-whitmers-45-cent-gas-tax-probably-dead|website=www.bridgemi.com|language=en|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809075549/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-house-dem-leader-says-whitmers-45-cent-gas-tax-probably-dead|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-03-04|title=Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to fix Michigan roads: Nearly triple gas tax|url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/gretchen-whitmers-plan-fix-michigan-roads-nearly-triple-gas-tax|website=www.bridgemi.com|language=en|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405221525/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/gretchen-whitmers-plan-fix-michigan-roads-nearly-triple-gas-tax|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Anggaran pertama Whitmer mengalokasikan beberapa miliar dolar untuk investasi dalam infrastruktur. Pada 2019, ia berjuang dengan badan legislatif yang dikendalikan Republik untuk mengesahkan anggaran dan membuat beberapa konsesi.<ref>{{Cite web|last=CNN|first=Devan Cole|title=Michigan governor's response to Trump's State of the Union to highlight state Democrats want to win in 2020|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/04/politics/who-is-gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union-response/index.html|website=CNN|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162823/https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/04/politics/who-is-gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union-response/index.html|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gretchen Whitmer Is Giving the Democrats' State of the Union Response. Here's What to Know|url=https://time.com/5777872/gretchen-whitmer-democratic-response-state-of-the-union/|website=Time|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2023-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606010323/https://time.com/5777872/gretchen-whitmer-democratic-response-state-of-the-union/|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Neavling|first=Steve|title=Whitmer breaks pledge to 'fix the damn roads' under new budget|url=https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2019/09/09/whitmer-breaks-pledge-to-fix-the-damn-roads-under-new-budget|website=Detroit Metro Times|language=en|access-date=2021-02-06|archive-date=2021-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213154737/https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2019/09/09/whitmer-breaks-pledge-to-fix-the-damn-roads-under-new-budget|dead-url=yes}}</ref>

Pada Mei 2020, Bendungan Edenville runtuh setelah menunggu laporan yang terlambat mengenai standar keamanannya. Whitmer mengarahkan ''Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy'' (EGLE) untuk membentuk penyelidikan, keputusan yang banyak dikritik.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-31|title=Michigan should have protected public from unsafe Edenville Dam, experts say|url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/michigan-should-have-protected-public-unsafe-edenville-dam-experts-say|website=www.bridgemi.com|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608122717/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/michigan-should-have-protected-public-unsafe-edenville-dam-experts-say|dead-url=no}}</ref> Panduan dari Asosiasi Pejabat Keamanan Bendungan Negara menganjurkan penyelidik independen. Penyelidikan yang diluncurkan oleh Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat AS kemudian memberi EGLE dan ''Federal Energy Regulatory Commission'' tenggat waktu dua minggu untuk mendapatkan jawaban.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-02|title=Congress launches probe of Michigan, federal oversight of failed Midland dam|url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/congress-launches-probe-michigan-federal-oversight-failed-midland-dam|website=www.bridgemi.com|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406223415/https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/congress-launches-probe-michigan-federal-oversight-failed-midland-dam|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Whitmer mengeluarkan perintah tinggal di rumah sebagai tanggapan atas pandemi COVID-19 pada Maret 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gray|first=Paul Egan and Kathleen|title=Gov. Whitmer says Capitol protesters put others at risk, may have worsened pandemic|url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/04/15/gretchen-whitmer-protest-michigan-capitol-coronavirus/5136070002/|website=Detroit Free Press|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2020-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416161413/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/04/15/gretchen-whitmer-protest-michigan-capitol-coronavirus/5136070002/|dead-url=no}}</ref> Perintah ini disambut dengan persetujuan publik yang luas; jajak pendapat Maret menemukan bahwa 69% penduduk Michigan mendukung tindakan Whitmer, termasuk 61% dari mereka yang yang mengidentifikasi dirinya sendiri sebagai Republikan.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-26|title=Poll: Michigan residents fear economic impact from coronavirus but support Whitmer’s response|url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/03/poll-michigan-residents-fear-economic-impact-from-coronavirus-but-support-whitmers-response.html|website=mlive|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606133255/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/03/poll-michigan-residents-fear-economic-impact-from-coronavirus-but-support-whitmers-response.html|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Setelah Whitmer memperpanjang dan memperketat pembatasan pada bulan April,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mauger|first=Beth LeBlanc and Craig|title=Whitmer to protesters: Rally will 'come at cost to people's health'|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/15/stay-home-protest-michigan-capitol-opposition-whitmer-order-coronavirus/2989230001/|website=The Detroit News|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2020-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416221301/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/15/stay-home-protest-michigan-capitol-opposition-whitmer-order-coronavirus/2989230001/|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Lock her up!': Anti-Whitmer coronavirus lockdown protestors swarm Michigan Capitol|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/lock-her-anti-whitmer-coronavirus-lockdown-protestors-swarm-michigan-capitol-n1184426|website=NBC News|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501210809/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/lock-her-anti-whitmer-coronavirus-lockdown-protestors-swarm-michigan-capitol-n1184426|dead-url=no}}</ref> protes delapan jam terhadap pembatasan yang diorganisir oleh Koalisi Konservatif Michigan dan diselenggarakan bersama oleh Michigan Freedom Fund<ref>{{Cite news|last=Wilson|first=Jason|date=2020-04-17|title=The rightwing groups behind wave of protests against Covid-19 restrictions|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/far-right-coronavirus-protests-restrictions|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2020-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418010447/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/far-right-coronavirus-protests-restrictions|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-18|title=Thousands of Americans backed by rightwing donors gear up for protests|url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/18/coronavirus-americans-protest-stay-at-home|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-07-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703035006/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/18/coronavirus-americans-protest-stay-at-home|dead-url=no}}</ref> menarik antara 3.000 dan 4.000 pengunjuk rasa ke Gedung Kongres Michigan.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-16|title=Thousands converge at Michigan Capitol to protest coronavirus stay-at-home order, Whitmer warns it will ‘put more people at risk’|url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/04/thousands-converge-at-michigan-capitol-to-protest-coronavirus-stay-at-home-order-whitmer-warns-it-will-put-more-people-at-risk.html|website=mlive|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2021-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513002054/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/04/thousands-converge-at-michigan-capitol-to-protest-coronavirus-stay-at-home-order-whitmer-warns-it-will-put-more-people-at-risk.html|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=agencies|first=Guardian staff and|date=2020-04-15|title=Protesters chant 'lock her up' after Michigan governor's stay-at-home order|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/15/michigan-coronavirus-protest-stay-home-order-gretchen-whitmer|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602153425/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/15/michigan-coronavirus-protest-stay-home-order-gretchen-whitmer|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Berg|first=Paul Egan and Kara|title=Thousands converge to protest Michigan governor's stay-home order in 'Operation Gridlock'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/04/15/lansing-capitol-protest-michigan-stay-home-order/5139472002/|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2020-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416010703/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/04/15/lansing-capitol-protest-michigan-stay-home-order/5139472002/|dead-url=no}}</ref> Kolumnis New York Times Charlie Warzel menggambarkan demonstrasi itu sebagai "paranoid dan rasial", didorong oleh teori konspirasi seperti Alex Jones.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Warzel|first=Charlie|date=2020-04-19|title=Opinion {{!}} Protesting for the Freedom to Catch the Coronavirus|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/19/opinion/coronavirus-trump-protests.html|newspaper=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112849/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/19/opinion/coronavirus-trump-protests.html|dead-url=no}}</ref> Jeanine Pirro dari Fox News memuji para pengunjuk rasa, dengan mengatakan, "Tuhan memberkati mereka, itu akan terjadi di seluruh negeri".<ref>{{Cite web|last=http://www.washingtontimes.com|first=The Washington Times|title=Fox News hosts praise protesters for defying Michigan stay-at-home order|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/apr/16/fox-news-hosts-applaud-protesters-for-defying-mich/|website=The Washington Times|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406223404/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/apr/16/fox-news-hosts-applaud-protesters-for-defying-mich/|dead-url=no}}</ref> Pada saat protes, lebih dari 1.900 orang di Michigan telah meninggal setelah tertular covid-19. Pada 29 April, seorang hakim Michigan memutuskan untuk tetap memberlakukan pembatasan tersebut dan menyatakan bahwa "Sesama penduduk kita memiliki kepentingan untuk tetap tidak tertular oleh virus yang sangat mudah menular dan mematikan". Dan sejak negara bagian memasuki ''Union'' pada 1837, negara itu memiliki kekuasaan yang luas untuk bertindak demi kesehatan masyarakat di seluruh negara bagian ketika menghadapi krisis publik."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-30|title=Judge rules Michigan stay-at-home order doesn’t infringe on constitutional rights|url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/04/judge-rules-michigan-stay-at-home-order-doesnt-infringe-on-constitutional-rights.html|website=mlive|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510084710/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/04/judge-rules-michigan-stay-at-home-order-doesnt-infringe-on-constitutional-rights.html|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Polling oleh ''Detroit Regional Chamber'' pada pertengahan April menemukan bahwa 57% penduduk Michigan menyetujui penanganan Whitmer terhadap pandemi virus korona, termasuk perpanjangannya.<ref>{{Cite web|last=EDT|first=Jason Lemon On 4/20/20 at 2:51 PM|date=2020-04-20|title=Majority of Michigan residents support Governor Whitmer's coronavirus response, despite anti-lockdown protests, poll shows|url=https://www.newsweek.com/majority-michigan-residents-support-governor-whitmers-coronavirus-response-despite-anti-lockdown-1499011|website=Newsweek|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407201155/https://www.newsweek.com/majority-michigan-residents-support-governor-whitmers-coronavirus-response-despite-anti-lockdown-1499011|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Panetta|first=Grace|title=Despite high-profile protests, Michiganders overwhelmingly approve of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's handling of the coronavirus|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/michiganders-approve-of-whitmer-on-coronavirus-despite-protests-poll-2020-4|website=Business Insider|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-06-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627221810/https://www.businessinsider.com/michiganders-approve-of-whitmer-on-coronavirus-despite-protests-poll-2020-4|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-20|title=Michigan residents approve of Whitmer's handling of COVID-19 over Trump's, new poll shows|url=https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/michigan-residents-approve-of-whitmers-handling-of-covid-19-over-trumps-new-poll-shows|website=FOX 2 Detroit|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407120523/https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/michigan-residents-approve-of-whitmers-handling-of-covid-19-over-trumps-new-poll-shows|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=LeBlanc|first=Beth|title=Poll: Michiganians favor Whitmer's COVID-19 handling over Trump's|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/04/20/poll-michiganians-favor-whitmer-covid-19-handling-over-trump/5164340002/|website=The Detroit News|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406223359/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/04/20/poll-michiganians-favor-whitmer-covid-19-handling-over-trump/5164340002/|dead-url=no}}</ref> Keluarga yang ditinggalkan ananya karena virus corona di Michigan menyatakan dukungannya atas keputusan Whitmer untuk memperpanjang aturan tinggal di rumah dengan alasan bahwa jarak sosial akan menyelamatkan nyawa. LaVondria Herbert, ibu anak tersebut, berkata, "Saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kepada gubernur karena telah membuat orang-orang pulang."<ref>{{Cite web|last=EDT|first=Ewan Palmer On 4/20/20 at 5:40 AM|date=2020-04-20|title=Family of first child to die from coronavirus in Michigan express support for Governor Gretchen Whitmer's lockdown|url=https://www.newsweek.com/coronavirus-michigan-protests-govenor-whitmer-skylar-herbert-1498877|website=Newsweek|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406162819/https://www.newsweek.com/coronavirus-michigan-protests-govenor-whitmer-skylar-herbert-1498877|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Pada 2 Oktober 2020, Mahkamah Agung Michigan memutuskan 4–3 bahwa "undang-undang negara bagian yang mengizinkan gubernur menyatakan keadaan darurat dan mempertahankannya tanpa masukan legislatif — Undang-Undang Kewenangan Darurat Gubernur tahun 1945 — tidak konstitusional" dan dengan suara bulat memutuskan bahwa Undang-Undang Manajemen Darurat 1976 "tidak memberi Whitmer kekuasaan, setelah 30 April, untuk mengeluarkan atau memperbarui perintah eksekutif yang terkait dengan pandemi COVID-19 setelah 28 hari tanpa persetujuan Legislatif".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Burke|first=Beth LeBlanc, Craig Mauger and Melissa Nann|title=High court strikes down Whitmer's emergency powers; gov vows to use other means|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/02/michigan-supreme-court-strikes-down-gretchen-whitmers-emergency-powers/5863340002/|website=The Detroit News|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331181927/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/02/michigan-supreme-court-strikes-down-gretchen-whitmers-emergency-powers/5863340002/|dead-url=no}}</ref> Pada hari yang sama, petisi yang berisi 539.384 tanda tangan diajukan untuk mencabut undang-undang EPGA 1945 yang mengizinkan kekuasaan darurat Whitmer selama pandemi.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-02|title=Unlock Michigan turns in 539k signatures to limit Gov. Whitmer’s emergency powers|url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/10/unlock-michigan-turns-in-539k-signatures-to-limit-gov-whitmers-emergency-powers.html|website=mlive|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306044743/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/10/unlock-michigan-turns-in-539k-signatures-to-limit-gov-whitmers-emergency-powers.html|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Pada Februari 2020, Whitmer terpilih untuk menyampaikan tanggapan Partai Demokrat atas Pidato Kenegaraan Donald Trump tahun 2020. Michigan dianggap sebagai [[negara bagian ayunan]] dalam pemilihan presiden 2020, dan berspekulasi bahwa Demokrat berharap memilih Whitmer akan meningkatkan peluang mereka untuk memenangkan negara bagian tersebut.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-04|title=5 things to know about Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as she takes the national stage|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2020/02/5-things-to-know-about-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-as-she-takes-the-national-stage.html|website=mlive|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-06-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627214137/https://www.mlive.com/news/2020/02/5-things-to-know-about-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-as-she-takes-the-national-stage.html|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Mitch|date=2020-02-04|title=Democrats Turn to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan for Trump State of the Union Response (Published 2020)|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union.html|newspaper=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516141441/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/us/politics/gretchen-whitmer-state-of-the-union.html|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Pada awal Maret, beberapa hari sebelum pemilihan pendahuluan presiden Demokrat Michigan tahun 2020, Whitmer mendukung Joe Biden, dan bergabung dengan kampanyenya.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mauger|first=Craig|title=Gov. Whitmer endorses Biden for president, becomes a campaign chair|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/05/whitmer-endorses-biden-president/4961762002/|website=The Detroit News|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112825/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/05/whitmer-endorses-biden-president/4961762002/|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Pada 2020, di tengah penanganannya terhadap pandemi COVID-19, serta setelah tweet di mana Trump menyerangnya dan memanggilnya "wanita itu dari Michigan", Whitmer memperoleh profil nasional yang lebih besar.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Alberta|first=Tim|title=‘The Woman in Michigan’ Goes National|url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/04/09/gretchen-whitmer-governor-michigan-profile-2020-coronavirus-biden-vp-177791|website=POLITICO|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716143744/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/04/09/gretchen-whitmer-governor-michigan-profile-2020-coronavirus-biden-vp-177791|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-04|title=Gretchen Whitmer is a national figure now. What you need to know about ‘The woman in Michigan'|url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/05/gretchen-whitmer-is-a-national-figure-now-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-woman-in-michigan.html|website=mlive|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407201156/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/05/gretchen-whitmer-is-a-national-figure-now-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-woman-in-michigan.html|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mauger|first=Craig|title=Through praise and criticism, national spotlight stays fixed on Whitmer|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/05/19/through-praise-and-criticism-national-spotlight-fixed-whitmer/5202711002/|website=The Detroit News|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407201159/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/05/19/through-praise-and-criticism-national-spotlight-fixed-whitmer/5202711002/|dead-url=no}}</ref> Tanggapannya terhadap pandemi tersebut menjadi subjek cerita sampul Newsweek edisi 1 Mei 2020. [63] Pada Mei, Cecily Strong meniru Whitmer pada episode [[Saturday Night Live]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-19|title=Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Cecily Strong 'SNL' Impression|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-cecily-strong-snl-impression-1295139|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2021-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226044652/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-cecily-strong-snl-impression-1295139|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Whitmer menyampaikan pidatonya di Konvensi Nasional Demokrat 2020 yang memuji pekerjaan Biden dalam menyelamatkan industri otomotif Michigan dan mengkritik penanganan pandemi COVID-19 oleh Trump.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-19|title=Read Gretchen Whitmer’s full speech from the 2020 Democratic National Convention|url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/08/read-gretchen-whitmers-full-speech-from-the-2020-democratic-national-convention.html|website=mlive|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407112827/https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/08/read-gretchen-whitmers-full-speech-from-the-2020-democratic-national-convention.html|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Whitmer dipandang memiliki prospek yang kuat untuk mendapatkan posisi di kabinet Biden. Pada 9 Januari 2021, dia mengatakan tidak tertarik meninggalkan perannya sebagai gubernur.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-09|title=Gretchen Whitmer turns down prospect of Biden cabinet role|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-2020/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-biden-cabinet-b1716615.html|website=The Independent|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527200347/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-2020/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-biden-cabinet-b1716615.html|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Pada awal Januari 2021, Presiden Biden (presiden terpilih saat itu) menominasikan Whitmer untuk menjadi wakil ketua Komite Nasional Demokrat.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Thomas|first=Ken|date=2021-01-15|title=Biden Taps Jaime Harrison, Former Senate Candidate, to Lead DNC|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-to-tap-jaime-harrison-former-senate-candidate-to-lead-dnc-11610649160|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2021-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114184342/https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-to-tap-jaime-harrison-former-senate-candidate-to-lead-dnc-11610649160|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Pada 8 Oktober 2020, dakwaan federal terhadap enam pria yang terkait dengan ''Wolverine Watchmen'', sebuah kelompok milisi yang berbasis di Michigan. Dakwaan tersebut menuntut orang-orang tersebut atas perencanaan untuk menculik Whitmer dan dengan kasar menggulingkannya.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bogel-Burroughs|first=Nicholas|last2=Dewan|first2=Shaila|last3=Gray|first3=Kathleen|date=2020-10-08|title=F.B.I. Says Michigan Anti-Government Group Plotted to Kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/us/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-militia.html|newspaper=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2020-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008163052/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/us/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-militia.html|dead-url=no}}</ref> FBI mengetahui skema tersebut pada awal tahun 2020 setelah komunikasi di antara kelompok sayap kanan tersebut ditemukan, dan melalui agen yang menyamar yang bertemu dengan lebih dari selusin individu dalam sebuah pertemuan di Dublin, Ohio.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Burke|first=Robert Snell and Melissa Nann|title=Plans to kidnap Whitmer, overthrow government spoiled, officials say|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/08/feds-thwart-militia-plot-kidnap-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer/5922301002/|website=The Detroit News|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2020-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008162222/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/08/feds-thwart-militia-plot-kidnap-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer/5922301002/|dead-url=no}}</ref> Tujuh orang lainnya didakwa dengan kejahatan negara terkait dengan plot tersebut.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=ABC12 News|title=FBI thwarted militia plot to kidnap Whitmer, overthrow state government|url=https://www.abc12.com/2020/10/08/fbi-thwarted-militia-plot-to-kidnap-whitmer-overthrow-state-government/|website=https://www.abc12.com|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2020-10-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013124507/https://www.abc12.com/2020/10/08/fbi-thwarted-militia-plot-to-kidnap-whitmer-overthrow-state-government/|dead-url=yes}}</ref> Facebook bekerja sama dengan penyelidikan, karena pengaduan pidana federal merinci bagaimana grup tersebut menggunakan grup Facebook pribadi untuk membahas dugaan plot.<ref>{{Cite web|last=CNN|first=By <a href="/profiles/veronica-rocha">Veronica Rocha</a>, Melissa Macaya and <a href="/profiles/meg-wagner">Meg Wagner</a>|date=2020-10-08|title=Facebook cooperating with FBI in Michigan investigation, company says|url=https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/fbi-plot-michigan-governor/h_107717db4f929e29663318307676847e|website=CNN|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2023-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407204626/https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/fbi-plot-michigan-governor/h_107717db4f929e29663318307676847e|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Setelah dakwaan yang tidak disegel, Whitmer, dalam siaran langsung, berterima kasih kepada lembaga penegak hukum yang terlibat dalam penyelidikan, menyebut para komplotan "orang sakit dan bejat", dan menyalahkan Trump karena menolak untuk secara eksplisit mengutuk kelompok-kelompok sayap kanan dan untuk penanganannya terhadap pandemi COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|last=CNN|first=Christina Carrega, Veronica Stracqualursi and Josh Campbell|title=13 charged in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/08/politics/fbi-plot-michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer/index.html|website=CNN|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2021-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108104544/https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/08/politics/fbi-plot-michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer/index.html|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Choi|first=Joseph|date=2020-10-08|title=Whitmer responds to kidnapping plot, says Trump 'complicit' in stoking extremists|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/520255-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-responds-to-kidnapping-plot-says-trump|website=TheHill|language=en|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2021-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011940/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/520255-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer-responds-to-kidnapping-plot-says-trump|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Golding|first=Bruce|date=2020-10-08|title=Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer blasts ‘sick and depraved men’ in kidnap plot|url=https://nypost.com/2020/10/08/gov-gretchen-whitmer-blasts-depraved-men-in-kidnap-plot/|website=New York Post|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2021-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110011222/https://nypost.com/2020/10/08/gov-gretchen-whitmer-blasts-depraved-men-in-kidnap-plot/|dead-url=no}}</ref>

Whitmer memiliki dua anak dengan suami pertamanya, Gary Shrewsbury. Pasangan itu bercerai, dan pada 2011, ia menikah dengan dokter gigi Marc P. Mallory, yang memiliki tiga anak dari pernikahan sebelumnya.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Oosting|first=Jonathan|title=Whitmer rises to establishment choice in Democrats’ gov race|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/06/27/gretch-whitmer-profile-michigan-governor/698088002/|website=The Detroit News|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2018-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110085456/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/06/27/gretch-whitmer-profile-michigan-governor/698088002/|dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Meet Gretchen Whitmer|url=https://www.gretchenwhitmer.com/about/gretchen/|website=Gretchen Whitmer for Governor|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2018-08-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819012951/http://gretchenwhitmer.com/bio/|dead-url=yes}}</ref> Whitmer dan Mallory tinggal di East Lansing, Michigan, bersama dua putrinya dan ketiga putranya.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-12-26|title=Monday Profile: Gretchen Whitmer > Washtenaw County Legal News|url=http://www.oaklandlegalnews.com/washtenaw/1423164|website=web.archive.org|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2016-12-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226060218/http://www.oaklandlegalnews.com/washtenaw/1423164|dead-url=unfit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-01-04|title=Skubick: Whitmer family joins in run for governor|url=https://www.wlns.com/uncategorized/skubick-whitmer-family-joins-in-run-for-governor/|website=WLNS 6 News|language=en-US|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=2018-11-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116164200/https://www.wlns.com/news/6-news-on-demand/skubick-whitmer-family-joins-in-run-for-governor/999903055|dead-url=no}}</ref>