Whitmer says she won't run for president in 2028
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at the 29th annual Milken Institute Global Conference this month. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closed the door on a 2028 presidential run on Thursday morning, then appeared to backtrack later in the day during an on-stage discussion at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
Why it matters: The two-term governor has been one of Democrats' most closely watched potential contenders, and her eventual decision will reshape the early 2028 field.
- For now, Whitmer said discussions about her future are distracting and she wants to focus on her remaining months as governor.
What they're saying: "I think there will be a robust group of people running for president," Whitmer first told Fox 2 Thursday at the conference. "I will not be one of them in 2028."
Several hours later, Whitmer was asked about 2028 during her appearance on stage.
- "I need to correct the record on a couple of fronts," Whitmer replied.
- "I never thought I would run for governor. So I guess I should know better, to say 'never say never' ... At this juncture, I've got nothing to announce."
State of play: Whitmer, who is term-limited and cannot run for reelection, has taken a more cooperative approach to working with President Donald Trump in his second term.
- Some viewed the shift as a gamble to boost her electability in 2028.
The intrigue: Whitmer has been slowly backing away from 2028 chatter for months.
Between the lines: At 54, Whitmer's political career is open-ended.
- She is focused on leading the state and advancing priorities such as literacy, roads and lower health care costs during her final stretch in office.
- Possible next steps include joining another candidate's ticket as a vice presidential running mate, a future cabinet position or establishing a more prominent presence in national media.
What they're saying: "There are a lot of options on the table," Oakland University political science professor David Dulio tells Axios. "She seems to be somebody who's got a lot left in the tank."
Zoom out: Several other unknowns remain regarding the 2028 Democratic primary.
- U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has said she hasn't made a decision about running, but has spent the past month criss-crossing the country, rallying voters and giving high-profile speeches.
- Other Democrats still in the mix include Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who lives in Michigan.
U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) told the AP earlier Thursday that she is sorry to hear Whitmer won't be running.
- "I certainly think we need more Midwestern voices."
This is a developing story.