Gretchen Whitmer Quotes (1971-)

“Democrats were fighting to solve problems but also protect our ability to make our own decisions about our bodies. These are fundamental, core issues.”

“When a child comes into school versus the end of the school year, how much they’ve grown is really what tells you if what we’re doing in our schools is successful.”

“We have always defied the odds. And we are going to do it again, together. We are going to prove that our shared future is more powerful than the issues that divide us.”

“Just because you’re a survivor doesn’t mean that every claim is equal, it means we give them the ability to make their case. And then to make a judgment that is informed.”

“A governor can't fix global inflation. But what we can do is take actions to keep more money in people's pockets, protect our right to make our own decisions about our bodies.”

“I plan enthusiastically to serve for four years and leave the state in better shape than we are even right now, I think our future is bright. I’m excited about being at the helm.”

“We will always work with anyone who actually wants to solve a problem because there's nothing more important than the people of this state to us — all of the people of this state.”

“I think of myself as someone who is progressive but also can get stuff done... And I don’t vilify people that don’t see the world precisely the same way I do. I’m not arrogant enough to think that I’m always right.”

“Over 20 years ago I was a victim of rape. And thank God it didn’t result in a pregnancy. Because I can’t imagine going through what I went through and then having to consider what to do about an unwanted pregnancy from an attacker.”

“At a time when too many people want to separate us by building walls, we here in Michigan are going to get back to building bridges together. The story of the Mackinac Bridge reminds us that we can do great things when we work together.”

“I'm so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He laid the groundwork in so many ways for the LGBTQ advocacy taking place across Michigan still today. He will be missed by many, though his legacy will live on through those he inspired throughout his life.”

“I can tell you we stayed focused on the fundamentals, right, whether it's fixing the damn roads or making sure our kids are back on track after an incredible disruption in their learning, or just simply solving problems and being honest with the people.”

“They want abortion to be a felony, no exceptions for rape or incest. That's the kind of legislature that I'm working with. That's the kind of matchup I'm going to have this fall. And that's why this is such a scary moment for Michigan women and our families.”

“I’m here because, over the past year, the people of Michigan showed up. At town halls, at rallies, and in record numbers on Election Day. I am so grateful that you did. But our work is just beginning. That’s why, today, I’m asking you to keep showing up.”

“I love state government because the work that we do, you can see the results, I'm close to the people that I serve, and this is where I want to be. So all the reports in the world don't change any of that. That's who I am. That's what my focus is, and I'm grateful to be right here.”

“Many will question whether we can protect our families and bolster our economy by fixing those damn roads. They may not believe we have the ingenuity to solve the literacy crisis. And no doubt, some are betting against our ability to close the skills gap. But we are up to it, Michigan.”

“Let’s fix our roads, and be the state that’s not paralyzed by partisanship, but works together. And create the blueprint for rebuilding America’s crumbling infrastructure. Let’s show the rest of the country how to solve America’s literacy crisis, and show them what good government actually looks like.”

“Thanks to the bipartisan auto insurance reform I signed, nearly $2.2 billion has been put back in people’s pockets and another $800 million is yet to come... These refunds will help families pay the bills and put food on the table as we keep growing our economy, creating more good-paying jobs, and lowering costs.”

“I was considered the most progressive person the whole time I was in the legislature, I negotiated health care, I negotiated a minimum wage increase. I told my story of sexual assault when women's health was on the line. I wrote the Michigan 2020, which was a free college plan, before Bernie Sanders ever offered it on the national level. I am proud to be a progressive.”