Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Says She Will Not Run for President in 2028

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Thursday she will not run for president in 2028. Whitmer made the announcement in an interview with Fox 2 Detroit while discussing her plans after completing her second term.

She told the station that a large field of candidates is expected and that she will not be among them. Whitmer added that she intends to take a break rather than move immediately into another role. She said she had received advice from former government officials on the value of stepping back after leaving office.

Background and Context Whitmer, a two-term governor of a key battleground state, had been viewed by some as a possible contender in the next Democratic primary. Her name had surfaced in earlier speculation about 2028 candidates. She has previously described wanting to influence national discussions without necessarily becoming the central figure.

“There will be a robust group of people running for president, I will not be one of them.”