Whitmer Declares No 2028 Presidential Run

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced during the Mackinac Policy Conference that she will not be pursuing a presidential campaign in 2028.

In a conversation with Fox 2 Detroit, Whitmer, a Democrat, shared that she’s planning to take some time to reflect on her future as her second and final term as governor comes to an end.

“I want to have impact. I want to do good work, but I’m also looking forward to taking a little bit of a break and thinking about it, not jumping into something,” she stated.

Due to Michigan’s strict term limits, which allow governors to serve only two terms, Whitmer cannot seek reelection. She also acknowledged the likely crowded field for the 2028 presidential primary and confirmed her decision to step back from the race.

“I think there will be a robust group of people running for president,” she added. “I will not be one of them in 2028.”

Whitmer mentioned that she has sought guidance from individuals who have previously left public office, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.

“As I’ve gotten counsel from people who made the transition… That’s the advice everyone says, ‘Take a little bit of time,’ and so that’s what I’m going to do,” she remarked.

A recent poll conducted by Emerson College Polling indicated that Buttigieg is currently leading in the Democratic primary for 2028, followed closely by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.