Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced criticism of her record after endorsing Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to succeed her. In a campaign video, Whitmer celebrated her years in office and urged voters to continue her administration’s work. However, some critics welcomed her departure and challenged her claims of progress as she backed another Democrat for governor.
Looking back on her tenure, Whitmer recalled running eight years earlier to “fix the fundamentals and get things done.” She described serving as governor as “the honor of my lifetime” and credited her administration with historic progress. Her accomplishments included free community college, universal school meals, and more than $1 billion in tax cuts for seniors and families. She also claimed the state had fixed thousands of miles of roads.
Turning to Benson, Whitmer praised the Democratic candidate’s record as secretary of state, particularly her handling of election security. She said Benson would fight to lower living costs, create good-paying jobs, reduce prescription drug prices, and protect Medicaid. The governor also highlighted affordable housing and public education as priorities for her preferred successor.
Whitmer closed by urging voters to “protect our progress” and keep Michigan moving forward. She called on residents to vote for Benson on or before November 3.
Gretchen Whitmer’s Michigan Legacy Draws Backlash After Jocelyn Benson Endorsement
Whitmer’s appeal to continue her administration’s work drew sharply different assessments of her eight years in office.
“You wasted a lot of money and didn’t do much. Happy to see you go,” one user wrote. Another challenged her road-repair record, asking, “What roads did you fix???”
Concerns about employment also surfaced. “Our sons and daughters have to leave the state to find good jobs,” another response stated.
Others questioned what Benson would build upon if elected. “You have zero progress. Nothing has been done and to build on that would mean more zero progress,” one commenter argued.
However, some responses acknowledged improvements to Michigan’s roads. “Those roads were a mess! Great job,” one user wrote. Another pointed to specific highways, stating, “75 has been fixed and 696 is wip.”
Michigan voters will choose their next governor on November 3. The election will determine whether Benson gets the opportunity to continue Whitmer’s agenda.
