Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final keynote address at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference today, reflecting on her administration's bipartisan achievements and outlining key priorities for her remaining term, urging Michiganders to embrace collaboration and "Choose Michigan."
Since taking office, Governor Whitmer highlighted her commitment to working across the aisle, citing nearly 1,600 bipartisan bills and seven balanced, bipartisan budgets. Her administration has focused on "fixing the damn roads," investing in education, securing a new F15-EX fighter mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and creating tens of thousands of jobs. "Since day one, I’ve been laser focused on working with anyone to make a difference in Michiganders’ lives," said Governor Whitmer. "That approach has helped us get a lot done in Michigan."
Whitmer emphasized the importance of collaboration to overcome political division, drawing parallels to former Governor Bill Milliken's call for unity in 2005. She detailed her administration's accomplishments through "five Fs": Factories (economic development, job creation), Foundations (education, literacy), Finances (tax cuts, affordability), Fixing the Damn Roads (infrastructure), and Freedoms (reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections). She noted the bipartisan effort to secure the Selfridge fighter mission as proof that common ground can be found despite disagreements.
Looking ahead, Governor Whitmer called on the legislature to complete a balanced budget by July 1 and collaborate on critical issues including housing, state competitiveness, and literacy. She announced the formation of the Every Child Reads Champions Council to ensure sustained focus on literacy initiatives. Whitmer concluded by urging Michiganders to continue working together, stating, "This year, and every year, let’s choose Michigan and choose each other. Let’s work together. Let’s build a Michigan for all."