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Michigan Governor Whitmer Reflects on State of the State Promises
As Whitmer delivers her final State of the State address, a look back at her key campaign pledges and their outcomes.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is set to deliver her final State of the State address, where she will outline her priorities for the last year of her term. While some of Whitmer's biggest promises from her 2018 campaign, such as "fixing the damn roads" and boosting electric vehicle use, have been realized, others like a rebate for EVs and making government more transparent have fallen short. Political experts say Whitmer has navigated difficult economic and political times, and while her report card is mixed, she has made incremental progress on many fronts.
Why it matters
Whitmer's State of the State address provides a window into her administration's accomplishments and unfinished business as she prepares to leave office. The speech offers insights into Michigan's political landscape and the challenges facing the state's next governor.
The details
During her tenure, Whitmer has made good on some key promises, such as securing billions in dedicated road funding, passing a red flag law and safe storage regulations for guns, and expanding LGBTQ+ protections. However, she was unable to achieve a rebate for electric vehicles, make government offices more transparent through public records requests, or repeal the state's dormant ban on gay marriage. Experts say Whitmer has faced a difficult political environment, with the need to work with a Republican-controlled legislature on many issues.
- Whitmer will deliver her final State of the State address on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
- Whitmer was first elected governor in 2018 and is serving a four-year term that will end in 2023.
The players
Gretchen Whitmer
The current Governor of Michigan, first elected in 2018 and serving a four-year term.
Eric Lupher
The president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a nonpartisan public policy research organization.
What they’re saying
“She's had seven years now to do her best to carry out on those promises. They haven't always happened immediately but I don't think she's laid out unrealistic promises.”
— Eric Lupher, President, Citizens Research Council of Michigan (wwmt.com)
“It is more, 'let's move the needle in incremental ways to make existing programs better; in her eyes and the goals that she wants to achieve.”
— Eric Lupher, President, Citizens Research Council of Michigan (wwmt.com)
What’s next
Whitmer's final State of the State address on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 will provide more details on her administration's remaining priorities and unfinished business before she leaves office.
The takeaway
Governor Whitmer's mixed record on campaign promises highlights the challenges of governing in a politically divided state, but also demonstrates her pragmatic approach of pursuing incremental progress on key issues like infrastructure, civil rights, and public safety.
