Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed Democratic party leaders in Detroit on Saturday and made it clear she has work left to do before her term ends in January 2026.
During the Michigan Democrats convention at Huntington Place, Whitmer pulled her prepared speech from her boot to the crowd's delight. She spent the address reviewing seven years of accomplishments and setting priorities for the remaining 198 days in office.
"We get shit done," Whitmer told the gathering party members.
The convention took place on Saturday, April 18, ahead of a Sunday gathering where party members will endorse candidates for key statewide offices including secretary of state, attorney general, Michigan Supreme Court, state board of education and several university board members.
Whitmer joined outgoing Attorney General Dana Nessel, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist on stage. Each took turns presenting awards and offering sharp criticism of President Donald Trumps administration.
Whitmer highlighted several achievements during her time in office. She pointed to protecting reproductive rights, offering free breakfast in Michigan schools, population growth across the state and improvements to roads and infrastructure.
"I know every time you see an orange barrel you curse me under your breath," Whitmer said about road construction. "But you are welcome."
Michigan Democrats held what Whitmer called a leadership trifecta for the last four years with officials holding the governor, secretary of state and attorney general positions simultaneously. During that period they passed historic criminal justice reforms according to Whitmer.
"We were able to pass historic reforms of our criminal justice system, the likes of which we have not seen in the last 50 years," Whitmer said.
The outgoing governor urged party members to secure similar control during the upcoming midterm elections. She noted she still has 198 days remaining in her current term.
"Big Gretch is all gas this year, baby," Whitmer said.
Whitmer outlined specific priorities for the remainder of her term. These include ensuring every child in Michigan reads, building more affordable housing, paying off medical debt for families and continuing to fix roads and infrastructure.
"When shit gets real, we get shit done," Whitmer told the convention attendees.
The governor drew comparisons to the federal government under President Trump. She told party members that the federal administration is making their work harder during these tough and chaotic times.
"I know we are living through some tough, chaotic times right now," Whitmer said. "The federal government is making our work harder."
Outgoing Attorney General Dana Nessel did not hold back in her criticism of President Trump. She described his policies as monstrous, grotesque and catastrophic.
"I have fought with every ounce of my being against the most monstrous, grotesque and catastrophic policies imaginable by a man and an administration that are beneath the dignity of our great nation," Nessel said.
Nessel also called on Democrats to rally behind fellow Democrats who will continue the work she started during her term. She noted she faces term limits and will leave office at the end of 2026.
Whitmer and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear serve on the Democratic Governors Association. Beshear spoke at the convention as well and offered his own criticism of President Trump.
Beshear noted he does not curse in public but was not afraid to speak candidly about federal policies. He referenced President Trumps recent comments about the Pope and an AI-generated image of Jesus Christ.
"Just last week, the American people and the entire world had to sit a whole day just to see if that president would commit war crimes that would kill thousands of people," Beshear said. "To follow that up, he attacked the Pope and then created an AI-generated image of him as Jesus Christ."
Beshear encouraged Democrats to talk like normal humans and lead with their why. He credited this approach for winning Kentucky.
The conventions held by Michigan Democrats and other Democratic parties serve as preliminary events before a more official nominating process in the fall.
"I know every time you see an orange barrel you curse me under your breath. But you are welcome."
"Big Gretch is all gas this year, baby."
"We get shit done."
The convention took place in Detroit with Western Michigan University College Democrats President Ellena Ransom and other party officials in attendance. Audrey Whitaker of mlive.com covered the event.
Whitmer ended her address by telling party members that Democrats show up because they care about everyone. She compared Michigan Democrats to Republicans running the federal government and emphasized their commitment to representing Michiganders during these challenging times.