(The Center Square) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for unity in her State of the State address to a Republican-controlled House and Democrat-controlled Senate on Wednesday night.
In her speech, she pointed to “economic uncertainty” and “political division” as the biggest challenges facing the state, and the nation.
“I took an oath of office to serve the people of Michigan, and that means all the people in Michigan,” she said. “That’s my commitment to you, no matter who is in the White House or who is on the other side of the aisle in Lansing.”
Whitmer, a nationally-recognized Democrat, struck a very different tone from another recent State of the State address, where Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker referred to Nazis six times during his criticism of President Donald Trump. Instead, Whitmer promised to work with Trump and his administration when possible.
“I do hope to find common ground with President Trump and work with the Democrat-led Senate and Republican-led house on our shared priorities,” Whitmer said. “I’m not looking for fights, but I won’t back down from them either.”
Her seventh State of the State, Whitmer laid out her priorities for her final two years in office. She shared the stories of many Michiganders (included in the night’s program) and called for Republicans and Democrats in the state to work together to lower costs, create jobs and make government more efficient.
“My north star has always been collaboration. That’s what governing means. You work with anyone to get things done,” Whitmer explained. “It’s clear that most of us want the same things, and we’re all frustrated by the same things, too. Our people are not as divided as our politics.”
While focusing much of her speech on issues like education and housing, Whitmer also addressed her growing concerns about Trump-threatened tariffs on Canada.
“I’m grateful that Republicans, Democrats and private sector leaders are speaking out against widespread 25% tariffs on our neighbors, because we know that saying no to Canada would mean saying yes to China,” she said. “When the Michigan economy is on the line, 25% tariffs on everything would slow down construction, shutter small businesses, lead to layoffs in the auto industry, and cost Michigan families an extra $1,200 a year at the store and at the pump.”
Whitmer’s speech comes as the state’s legislature prepares to tackle the fiscal year 2025-2026 state budget. She said she is ready to work with Republicans through that process.
“Michigan is on the move because Michiganders are hard at work,” she said during the State of the State. “Let’s show them that we are too with a balanced, bipartisan budget by the end of June that’s focused on the fundamentals.”
Whitmer also called for legislation addressing cell phones in schools, more fiscal responsibility and transparency in the state budget, and an expansion of affordable housing and utility bill programs. She doubled-down on her plan for a tax on vapes and renewed her commitment to “fix the damn roads,” her 2018 gubernatorial campaign promise.
“We need a sustainable, long-term solution for our local roads,” she said. “Every pothole is a reminder that we must act now.”
Whitmer said that ultimately Michigan can “lead by example” the rest of the nation.
“I ran for governor to restore trust and rebuild Michigan. I was sick of us being a punching bag,” she said. “Now, in a divisive national moment where America needs a new way forward, Michigan can lead, because at our best, we are strong and kind.”
House Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus, R-Rockford, delivered the Republican response.
“Republicans have no intention of using our majority to obstruct,” he said of the Republican-controlled House. “We will use it to lead. We will lead on the issues you care about, bringing down the cost of government, keeping more money in your pocket, keeping our communities safe and educating our kids.”
Many Republicans said they are hopeful the governor’s “bipartisan streak” in her speech was more than just talk.
“Masquerading as a partial conservative in one speech won’t undo the six years of damage the governor has inflicted on our state,” said state Rep. Jennifer Wortz. “After hanging out with President Trump, Gov. Whitmer has been trying to play up her new persona as a conservative policymaker. I hope her shifting political outlook is genuine, but she needs to follow through with real action to help Republicans bring our state back from the brink.”
