Governor Gretchen Whitmer talks about elections, women in politics, and more

In the weeks leading up to the election, I spoke with history-making women leaders in politics, including Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Lee, to get their thoughts on this moment that has the potential to shatter historic glass ceilings. I asked. Presidency. I recently had the opportunity to interview Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a pioneer for women in politics.

When Whitmer began serving as Michigan governor in 2019, she was one of only nine female governors in the United States, but that number has now grown to 12 and This is the highest number of female governors to have served simultaneously. And with more women running for governor this November, the number could rise even further.

I asked Whitmer whether she thought things had gotten better or worse when it came to the role of gender in politics. She replied: On the other hand, it is easy for women to become politicians. People are getting used to the idea that women can be good elected officials. On the other hand,” she added. “In recent years, we have witnessed an unprecedented series of attacks on women’s rights, fundamental rights that I have had all my life, that Donald Trump has taken away from us and our rights. Granddaughter, that’s scary.”

Whitmer, currently serving her second term as governor, has faced and overcame a variety of challenges since taking office in 2019, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s historic flooding, and the target of kidnappings and assassinations. It’s here. plot. After all she’s faced as a prominent leader, we asked her if she regrets getting involved in politics, and how she personally deals with the scrutiny and attacks that come with being a woman in politics. .

“Just keep moving,” she replied. “That’s the only way. If you take things personally or get down on the bullies, you’re distracting from your job, which in my case is serving the people of Michigan. Despite the attacks I received, I have never regretted my involvement in politics.

Whitmer’s entry into politics was “a bit of an accident,” she said. “When I was younger, I originally wanted to be a sports reporter. But in college I ended up interning in the Michigan House of Representatives. I loved it, and in my late 20s, when a seat became available, I ran with joy,” she added. “There were very few women in the House of Commons at the time. I knew we needed fighters and I could fight, so I took on the challenge. And I’m so glad I did. ”

Whitmer has been an outspoken advocate for voting rights, the LGBTQ+ community, and women, among other important issues. After Dobbs ruled in 2022 to strip the constitutional right to abortion, Whitmer sought to keep the procedure legal in Michigan, repealing the state’s 1931 ban on abortion. The bill was signed into law in 2023. When I asked her what she wanted to say to young women about the upcoming election, she replied: “This will be the most important election for women’s rights we’ve ever seen. Young women will play a huge role” in deciding this race. What I want you to know is that you can do something about this problem. Vote and bring your friends. You are strong, you have grit, you are full of courage and heart, and together we will win this. Everything is at stake. ”

Whitmer is co-chair of Kamala Harris’ campaign and speaks at events across the country on behalf of the Harris Waltz ticket. With Harris expected to become the first Black and South Asian female president, I asked Whitmer if she thought there was anything unique or important about representation and diversity that women bring to politics. , she answered. If you don’t have a female leader in the room, you have serious problems. We bring different perspectives to the table than men, and more diverse perspectives mean we can do more for more people. ”

As governor, Whitmer has been known as a bold leader who listens with a caring ear to the needs of her constituents and takes action. When I asked her what she thought were the most important qualities in today’s politicians and leaders, she said: You need the ability to ask people what they need and listen. She continued, “When I was campaigning for governor, I remember visiting Detroit Children’s Hospital and talking to a young man named Cory who had just had a difficult surgery. I asked her mother what she needed. She didn’t say anything I expected, but said, “I just want the roads fixed.” On the way to the hospital, her car broke down because the roads were so bad. In addition to the hospital bill, the auto shop bill was also high. That became my campaign slogan. No matter how good you are, you don’t know everything. You must always ask. ”

Whitmer, who has two daughters, said she also tries to listen to young people. “Young people have the most to gain and lose when it comes to elections, and we need to continue to listen to their voices.My daughters keep me engaged and on the issues that matter most to them. I take them seriously because they keep me informed.”

She candidly shares a lot about her life and career, as well as advice and wisdom, in her book True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between, published earlier this year. He said the following: The “handbook” on how to stay positive despite hardship includes “10 Life Lessons.”

“I had a lot of fun writing this, and it was great to see people enjoying it,” Whitmer told me. “This is a bright book that’s perfect for a very dark and heavy time. That’s what I wanted.” In that spirit, she cites this in the book as a “really great takeaway.” “Check out Grandma Nino’s clover roll recipe in the prologue. Delicious.”

In addition to providing great recipes, Whitmer’s grandmother taught her to look for the good in all people and situations, which helped shape her outlook on life and leadership. She writes in her book: “I’ve been through some strange and difficult events… It’s hard to find the good in a situation like this, but following Nino’s example, that’s what I’ve been trying to do. And I want to share what I learned.”