Michigan Gov. Whitmer Delivers Final State of the State Address

Whitmer reflects on her tenure, touts economic progress and budget achievements, but faces criticism from Republicans over unmet promises.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State Address on Wednesday evening, reflecting on her time in office and highlighting progress made in areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the state's economy. However, Republican lawmakers criticized Whitmer for failing to deliver on key promises, such as fixing the state's roads.

Why it matters

Whitmer's final State of the State Address provides an opportunity to assess her legacy as governor and the state's trajectory under her leadership. The speech and the responses from lawmakers offer insights into the political dynamics and policy debates shaping Michigan's future.

The details

In her hour-long speech, Whitmer touted her administration's accomplishments, including increased wages and GDP, reduced crime and overdose deaths, free pre-K, school meals, and community college, as well as improvements to roads, housing, and lead pipe replacement. However, Republican Senator Aric Nesbitt criticized Whitmer for not delivering on her promise to 'fix the damn roads,' despite increased state spending and a budget surplus. Republican State Representative Dave Prestin also accused Whitmer of 'energy poverty and economic destruction' in the Upper Peninsula.

  • Whitmer gave her final State of the State Address on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • Whitmer will be going on a tour across the state this year.

The players

Gretchen Whitmer

The current governor of Michigan, who is delivering her final State of the State Address after serving two terms in office.

Aric Nesbitt

A Republican state senator who criticized Whitmer for not delivering on her promise to fix the state's roads.

Dave Prestin

A Republican state representative who accused Whitmer of 'energy poverty and economic destruction' in the Upper Peninsula.

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What they’re saying

“Wages and GDP are up. Crime and overdose deaths are down. PreK, school meals, and community college are all free. Taxes on retirement, tips, overtime, and Social Security are gone. We've fixed more roads, built more homes, and replaced more lead pipes than ever before, and more people moved into Michigan from other states than out for the first time since the early 90's.”

— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan (uppermichiganssource.com)

“Eight years ago, Governor Whitmer promised to fix the damn roads, yet, despite a nearly 50 percent increase in state spending, higher taxes, and a $9 billion surplus, less than 10 percent of roads have been repaired, while you were budgeting to buy groceries, her administration lost more than $8 billion to unemployment fraud.”

— Aric Nesbitt, Republican State Senator (uppermichiganssource.com)

“The Upper Peninsula will remember the governor's tenure as eight failed years of lost opportunities, and a legacy of energy poverty and economic destruction. We're in the fight of our life in the U.P., but we also have the opportunity to start writing the next chapter.”

— Dave Prestin, Republican State Representative (uppermichiganssource.com)

What’s next

Whitmer will be going on a tour across the state this year to continue engaging with Michigan residents.

The takeaway

Whitmer's final State of the State Address highlights the political divide in Michigan, with the governor touting her administration's achievements while facing criticism from Republican lawmakers over unmet promises and economic challenges, particularly in the Upper Peninsula. The speech and responses provide a snapshot of the state's political landscape as Michigan prepares to elect a new governor.