Michigan Gov. Whitmer Hints She May Not Run for President in 2028

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (Official photo)

Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is often mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, hinted she may not run for the top office in 2028.

Bridge Michigan reports:

Following a keynote speech Wednesday at Toronto’s Empire Club of Canada, Whitmer called speculation she could run for president a “big compliment” but downplayed that possibility.

“I don’t know if I need to be the main character in the next chapter, but I want to have a hand in writing it,” Whitmer told Canadian journalist Steve Paikin.

“I think I’ve got an important vantage point as the governor of an important swing state, so I anticipate helping, but I don’t know if I’m going to be the person.”

It's not clear if Whitmer would be willing to run as vice president or serve in a Democratic cabinet post or work in some other capacity, perhaps in the White House. She is term limited and will finish her second term in 2026.

Whitmer was mentioned as a potential presidential candidate in 2024 after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, but the party nod went to Vice President Kamala Harris.