Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan says she won’t run for president in 2028
Whitmer said she will not join a crowded 2028 Democratic primary after leaving office, ending months of speculation about a White House bid.
- On Thursday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ruled out a 2028 presidential bid during the Mackinac Policy Conference, stating she will not join the crowded Democratic primary field after leaving office at year's end.
- Long viewed as a top potential contender, Whitmer achieved decisive election victories in Michigan, a closely contested state Republican Donald Trump carried twice, though she previously offered cautious answers regarding her political future.
- Whitmer explained she is "looking forward to taking a little bit of a break" and "not jumping right into something," noting she has "gotten counsel" from former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and former GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan.
- The potential 2028 Democratic field remains crowded with governors, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and California Governor Gavin Newsom; like Whitmer, Moore has previously denied presidential ambitions.
- Political declarations against presidential campaigns rarely preclude future runs; then-Senator Barack Obama told "Meet the Press" in 2006 he would not run, only to win the nomination two years later, while Elizabeth Warren similarly reversed her 2018 position.
91 Articles
91 Articles
CONFUSION: Gretchen Whitmer rules out running for president in 2028 - then backtracks - The Midwesterner
Term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer won’t be running for president in 2028, or maybe she will. Michigan’s 49th governor offered mixed signals on her political future Thursday at the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, where she waived off a 2028 presidential run only to backtrack on her comments hours later. “I’ve got a lot of energy. I will be 55 when I leave office, so … I want to have impact. I want to do good work,” Whitmer told WJBK. “But I’m…
First 2028 Democrat is OUT — Will Not Run for President
Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer dismissed the idea of a 2028 presidential bid on Thursday, saying that while “there will be a robust group of people running for president, I will not be one of them.” During an interview on Fox 2 Detroit, Whitmer spoke about being term-limited, leaving office next year, and whether she has any idea about what she plans to do next. Whitmer said she was “looking forward to taking a little bit of a break” …
‘Never Say Never:’ Whitmer Gives Conflicting Comments on Potential Presidential Run
Photo: Ryan Garza ~ USA TODAY NETWORK PODCAST: May 28, 2026 ~ Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference.LANSING ~ Gov. Gretchen Whitmer flip-flopped on whether she was ruling out a presidential run in 2028 Thursday, walking back on a statement where she seemingly said she would not run. During a panel discussion at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Whitmer said, “You know, I never thought I would r…
What’s next for Gretchen Whitmer?
The NewsMichigan’s Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, is batting down one exit opportunity: president of Michigan State University. She’s been pushed for the top job, as former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has been suggested for the University of Michigan’s presidency, according to multiple people familiar with the process. But Whitmer spokesperson Bobby Leddy said Thursday: “MSU is a phenomenal university. The governor does not have an interes…
Gretchen Whitmer Makes Shocking Announcement: No Run For President In 2028
The political landscape for the 2028 presidential race is already buzzing, but Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has decided to take a backseat. In a recent interview with Fox 2 Detroit, Whitmer declared, “I will not be one of them in 2028.” Her choice comes as a surprise, given her earlier status as a potential contender. Why would Whitmer step back now, especially when competition is heating up among Democrats? Some speculate that her decisio…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
