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Gretchen Whitmer
48.3%
#25 of 50

Gretchen Whitmer

Michigan D | 2nd term (term-limited)
2019-01-01Took Office 7 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 798 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

209/300
70%

Section B: State Outcomes

597/975
61%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

-8 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 209/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Seven consecutive balanced budgets submitted and signed on time (FY20-FY26). FY26 budget totals $83.5B. No government shutdowns. Navigated both GOP-controlled (2019-22) and Dem-controlled (2023-24) legislatures without budget impasse.
MI State Budget Office; Governor's Office; Senate Fiscal Agency FY26 Overview
2
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference provides bipartisan checks. Post-COVID revenue surge turned projected $3B deficit into $3.5B surplus by 2021. FY25-FY26 revenue estimates within 2-3% of actuals. No structural deficits created despite major new spending programs.
MI House Fiscal Agency; Senate Fiscal Agency; Revenue Estimating Conference
2
Rainy day fund management
Budget Stabilization Fund grew to record $2.2B by end of 2025 — doubled from $1.1B at start of tenure in 2019. FY26 budget targets $2.3B. School rainy day fund built to $550M. Record reserves reflect disciplined surplus management.
MI State Budget Office; BSF reports; Governor's FY26 Executive Budget
2
State credit rating trajectory
Fitch upgraded Michigan from AA to AA+ in July 2022 — first Fitch upgrade in nearly 10 years. S&P improved outlook from negative to stable. Moody's Aa1 stable. Moody's also upgraded three MDOT transportation bonds from Aa2 to Aa1 in Sept 2024. Two agency upgrades during tenure.
Fitch Ratings July 2022; S&P Global Ratings; Moody's Sept 2024 MDOT upgrade
2
Pension funding ratio trajectory
MPSERS pension funding ratio reached 71.2% as of Sept 2024 (up 2.4 pts YoY). UAAL of $28B on $97.4B AAL. OPEB surplus at 151.9% ($4.8B overfunded). Total UAAL $23.3B across pension and OPEB combined. Gradual improvement but legacy auto-era costs persist.
MPSERS Summary Annual Report FY2024; MI ORS actuarial reports
1
Debt per capita trajectory
Outstanding state debt $7.0B as of Sept 2024 ($691M GO bonds, $6.2B revenue bonds). Debt per capita well below national average of $1,807 — ranked 21st best among states. No major new GO bond issuances driving up per-capita burden.
MI Treasury Budget Office FAQ; MI ACFR FY2024
2
CAFR/ACFR published on time
State ACFR published annually through MI Treasury. FY2023 and FY2024 reports completed and posted. State retirement system ACFRs (MPSERS, state employees, state police) all produced on schedule by ORS.
MI Treasury ACFR portal; MI ORS ACFR archives
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
No material weaknesses in recent state financial audits. Auditor General issued critical nursing home death count audit (Jan 2022) but that was a performance audit, not a financial weakness. Single Audit findings minimal for state of Michigan's size.
MI Auditor General annual audit reports; Single Audit clearinghouse
3
Federal grant fund accounting
Federal grant accounting clean. Michigan received $920M BEAD broadband grant (4th highest nationally), $21.3B in EV/clean energy project commitments, and billions in IIJA infrastructure funds — all managed without federal compliance suspensions or major findings.
MI Auditor General; Single Audit Reports; NTIA BEAD awards
2
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
MAJOR FAILURE: UIA paid $8.5B in fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims (March 2020-Sept 2021 per Deloitte audit). $2.8B from imposter fraud, $5.7B from misrepresentation. State clawing back $2.7B from 350,000 people. Whitmer signed EO creating permanent Fraud Response Team but damage was done.
NPR Dec 2021; Deloitte audit; MI UIA; DOL OIG reports
1
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Seven balanced budgets signed without structural deficit. FY26 budget $83.5B (up ~$3B from FY25). Revenue aligned with Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference projections. Post-COVID surplus deployed to rainy day fund ($2.2B record) and one-time investments rather than recurring obligations.
MI State Budget Office; Revenue Estimating Conference; Senate Fiscal Agency
2
Capital budget execution rate
20,000+ lane miles fixed, 1,400+ bridges repaired, 118,000 construction jobs supported. State pledged $2B+ in incentives for EV battery plants (Ford $3.5B Marshall, GM $7B Orion/Lansing, LG $1.7B Holland). Broadband: $203M first-round ROBIN grants connecting 70,000 locations.
MI DOT; MI MEDC; ROBIN grant awards Oct 2023
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
No major vendor oversight scandals despite billions in new EV/infrastructure contracts. DTMB procurement processes maintained. State avoided $43.7B in additional potential UI fraud through vendor-assisted identity verification (Deloitte). Clean procurement record on major capital projects.
MI DTMB procurement records; Deloitte UIA fraud audit
3
Federal funding maximization
EXCEPTIONAL. $21.3B in battery/clean energy project commitments. GM $7B (Orion EV pickups + $2.5B Lansing Ultium battery plant), Ford $3.5B Marshall battery facility, LG Energy $1.7B Holland expansion, Our Next Energy $1.6B Van Buren, Gotion $2.36B Big Rapids. $920M BEAD broadband (4th highest nationally). IIJA infrastructure funds for roads/bridges.
MI Governor's Office Nov 2023; MEDC investment records; NTIA BEAD
3
Program eligibility verification systems
No major eligibility verification failures for Medicaid (Healthy Michigan Plan covers 700K+), SNAP, or childcare subsidies. DHHS expanded childcare eligibility to 105,000 additional families (income threshold to $49K for family of 4) without verification breakdowns. Uses SAVE system for federal programs.
MI DHHS; Auditor General; SAVE Program records
3
Signature legislation enacted
~1,600 bipartisan bills signed. Auto insurance reform (2019) yielding $400/vehicle refund checks ($3B total distributed May 2022). Right-to-work repeal (March 24, 2023 — first state to repeal in decades). Gun safety package: universal background checks, safe storage, red flag law (April-May 2023). 100% clean energy by 2040 (Nov 2023). Michigan Guarantee (free pre-K + community college). Free school meals for 1.4M students. Minimum wage increase to $15/hr by 2027 + paid sick leave (Feb 2025).
MI Legislature records; Governor's Office; PBS; Bridge Michigan
3
Veto override rate
Multiple vetoes during first term against Republican-controlled legislature (2019-22) with zero overrides. Zero vetoes needed during second term with Dem trifecta (2023-24). No vetoes overridden during entire tenure. Legislature returned to split control after 2024 elections.
MI Legislature Journal; veto records
2
Bipartisan bills signed
~1,600 bipartisan bills signed across tenure. Auto insurance reform (2019) had bipartisan support and delivered $1B+ in premium savings statewide. Navigated GOP legislature (2019-22) for auto reform, then Dem trifecta (2023-24) for gun safety, clean energy, right-to-work repeal. Minimum wage/sick leave deal (Feb 2025) was bipartisan compromise.
MI Legislature vote records; Governor's Office; DIFS premium data
3
Special sessions called
Limited use of special sessions. Major legislation (gun safety, clean energy, right-to-work repeal, education funding) all accomplished through regular legislative sessions during 2023-24 Dem trifecta. COVID emergency powers exercised through executive orders rather than special sessions.
MI Legislature records; Governor's Office
2
Executive orders — legal challenges
COVID executive orders faced major legal defeat. MI Supreme Court ruled 4-3 in Midwest Institute of Health v. Governor (Oct 2, 2020) that Whitmer lacked authority under 1945 Emergency Powers Act to extend emergency beyond April 2020 without legislative approval. All COVID EOs after April 30, 2020 invalidated. Administration pivoted to DHHS orders under separate public health statute.
Midwest Institute of Health v. Governor, 506 Mich 344 (2020); MI Supreme Court
1
Line-item veto usage
Used line-item veto during first term to cut Republican-added budget items, including controversial $375M cut to legislature's budget in retaliation for policy disputes (2019). Line-item veto power less needed during 2023-24 Dem trifecta when budget negotiations were aligned.
MI Constitution Art. V §19; Governor's budget actions; Bridge Michigan
2
Regulatory burden change
Significant new regulatory burden: 100% clean energy mandate by 2040, 2.5 GW battery storage by 2030, universal background checks, safe storage requirements, red flag law, paid sick leave mandate (72 hrs for 10+ employees), right-to-work repeal restoring union security agreements. Auto insurance reform simplified that sector. Net substantial increase in regulation.
MI LARA; 2023-24 legislative session bill summaries
1
Budget negotiation success
Seven balanced budgets. Negotiated with GOP legislature (2019-22) for auto insurance reform and annual budgets. FY20 saw contentious $375M line-item veto. Smooth budget passage during Dem trifecta (2023-24) including $24.1B education omnibus. FY26 $83.5B budget completed on time.
MI Legislature budget records; Senate Fiscal Agency
2
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Signed highly popular measures: $400/vehicle auto insurance refunds ($3B distributed), free school meals saving families ~$1,000/yr, record $10,050 per-pupil funding, free community college. Implemented voter-approved Prop 3 reproductive rights amendment (56.7% yes, Nov 2022). Strong alignment with public preferences on pocketbook issues.
MI Legislature records; MI SOS ballot results Nov 2022; DIFS
3
Legislative relationship
Contentious first-term relationship with GOP legislature (2019-22): $375M line-item veto, COVID EO disputes, impeachment threats. Highly productive Dem trifecta (2023-24): passed gun safety, clean energy, right-to-work repeal, education funding, LGBTQ protections in rapid succession. Legislature returned to split control after 2024 elections.
MI Legislature records; Bridge Michigan; media coverage
2
Implementation of voter-approved measures
Implemented Proposal 3 reproductive rights amendment (Nov 2022, 56.7% yes) — enshrined in MI Constitution. Recreational marijuana (Prop 1, 2018) implemented and generating $300M+ annual tax revenue. MI Supreme Court restored original minimum wage ($15/hr by 2027) and paid sick leave voter initiatives; Whitmer signed bipartisan implementing legislation Feb 2025.
MI Secretary of State; MI SOS ballot results; MI Treasury marijuana revenue
3
Task force follow-through
Infrastructure: 20,000+ lane miles, 1,400+ bridges completed. MPART PFAS task force (EO 2019-3) identified 262 contamination sites, removed 60,000 gallons of firefighting foam. MI Clean Water Plan: $4B+ invested in water infrastructure. Clean energy 2040 timeline tracking. Education: $24.1B FY26 budget, $10,050 per-pupil record.
MI DOT; MPART; Governor's Office; MI Treasury
2
Policy reversals under pressure
Reversed after MI Supreme Court struck COVID emergency powers (Oct 2020) — pivoted to DHHS orders. Fired DHHS Director Robert Gordon (Jan 2021) with $155K severance/NDA that drew sharp criticism; later issued EO banning confidentiality clauses in separation agreements. Consistent on core policy positions (infrastructure, education, clean energy) but COVID pivots notable.
Court records; Bridge Michigan; MI Legislature oversight hearings Apr 2021
1
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No criminal charges against any Whitmer appointee. DHHS Director Robert Gordon forced out Jan 2021 with $155K severance and NDA — controversial but not criminal. Gordon testified under legislative subpoena April 2021 that Whitmer told him to resign. No other appointee ethics issues surfaced.
MI Ethics records; Gordon legislative testimony Apr 2021; court records
3
Agency head vacancy rate
Major agency heads filled throughout tenure. Key appointments: DHHS (Elizabeth Hertel replaced Gordon 2021), EGLE Director Liesl Clark, MEDC Director Quentin Messer Jr., MDOT Director Paul Ajegba. Some turnover at DHHS during COVID but positions filled without extended vacancies.
MI Governor's Office appointment records; agency leadership rosters
2
State employee turnover
State employee turnover typical for Midwest. Corrections staffing is major challenge — nearly half of 26 prison facilities have vacancy rates over 20%, five exceed 30%. Corrections officers union asked Whitmer to deploy National Guard (July 2024). Non-corrections agencies at normal turnover levels.
MI Civil Service Commission; MI DOC vacancy reports; Detroit News July 2024
2
Diversity of appointments
Emphasized diverse appointments. First-term cabinet among most diverse in MI history. Signed EO on first day extending anti-discrimination protections (including gender identity, sexual orientation) to all state employees and contractors. Appointed diverse judicial nominees across 7+ years.
MI Governor's Office records; EO 2019-01; appointment records
2
Judicial appointment quality
Judicial appointments rated qualified by MI State Bar. Appointed judges to circuit courts, Court of Appeals, and district courts over 7+ year tenure. No judicial appointees removed for cause or facing ethics charges. Judicial Tenure Commission reported no issues with Whitmer appointees.
MI State Bar; Judicial Tenure Commission; Governor's judicial appointment records
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
State employee pay competitive for Midwest where cost of living is below national average. Minimum wage rising to $15/hr by 2027 benefits lower-paid state contractor roles. Corrections officer pay remains a challenge — vacancy rates over 20% at half of facilities suggest pay/conditions gap. Educator bonuses included in FY26 education budget.
MI Civil Service Commission; BLS OES; MI DOC vacancy data
2
Whistleblower protection
No documented whistleblower retaliation cases. First executive directive (Jan 2019, inspired by Flint crisis) required state employees to immediately report threats to public health or safety — strengthened whistleblower culture. DHHS director Gordon's departure raised concerns about chilling effect but no formal retaliation claims filed.
MI Civil Service Commission; Executive Directive 2019-01
2
Inspector General independence
Auditor General Doug Ringler operated independently throughout tenure. Published critical nursing home COVID death audit (Jan 2022) finding 42% undercount without interference. Published UIA fraud audit. AG is legislative branch appointee — not subject to governor's hiring/firing. Independence maintained.
MI Auditor General reports; MI Constitution Art. IV §53
2
State employee morale
No statewide morale crisis reported. Corrections is significant exception — union (MCO) publicly complained of dangerous conditions, 20-30% vacancy rates, mandatory overtime. COVID era was stressful for DHHS and UIA staff handling pandemic response and overwhelmed unemployment claims. Non-crisis agencies at stable morale levels.
MI Civil Service Commission surveys; MCO union statements July 2024
2
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism or cronyism. DHHS Director Gordon's $155K severance/NDA drew criticism as potential cronyism but was a separation agreement, not a patronage appointment. Whitmer subsequently banned confidentiality clauses in state separation agreements via executive directive. No family members appointed to state positions.
MI Ethics records; Governor's executive directive on separation agreements
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior staff or cabinet members charged with crimes during 7+ year tenure. Clean record on criminal conduct across administration. Notably, Whitmer herself was the target of a domestic terrorism kidnapping plot (Oct 2020) — 13 suspects arrested, ringleader Adam Fox sentenced to 16 years, Barry Croft 19.5 years.
Court records; U.S. v. Fox et al.; FBI arrest records Oct 2020
3
Agency performance accountability
Infrastructure targets met: 20,000+ lane miles, 1,400+ bridges, 118,000 construction jobs. Education: record $10,050 per-pupil, free meals for 1.4M students deployed. EV manufacturing tracking but some projects scaled back (Ford paused $3.5B Marshall plant). PFAS: 262 sites identified, 60,000 gal firefighting foam removed. Corrections: recidivism at historic low 22.7%.
MI DOT; Governor's Office; MEDC; MPART; MI DOC
2
Disaster declaration timeliness
COVID emergency declared March 10, 2020 — among first governors to act. Midland County dam failure emergency declared May 19, 2020 within hours of Edenville Dam breach. FEMA major disaster declarations secured for both COVID and flooding. Multiple severe weather emergency declarations throughout tenure.
MI Governor's Office emergency proclamations; FEMA disaster declarations
2
FEMA Public Assistance secured
FEMA major disaster declaration secured for Midland County dam failures/flooding (May 2020) — over $200M in damages, 2,500+ structures damaged. FEMA COVID-19 declarations secured. Brandon Road Interbasin Project secured $274M federal + $114M state for Great Lakes invasive species prevention (July 2024).
FEMA PA records — Michigan; Army Corps of Engineers Brandon Road
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Budget Stabilization Fund grew from ~$1.1B (2019) to record $2.2B (2025) — doubled during tenure. School rainy day fund at $550M. Combined reserves provide substantial emergency cushion. FY26 budget targets $2.3B BSF balance. Adequate to handle major emergency without special appropriation.
MI State Budget Office; Governor's FY26 Executive Budget
2
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
MAJOR CONTROVERSY: DHHS ordered nursing homes with capacity to accept COVID patients discharged from hospitals (April 2020). Auditor General found state undercounted nursing home COVID deaths by 42% — 8,061 actual vs 5,675 reported (Jan 2022 audit). 2,386 deaths unreported. DHHS disputed 1,511 of the additional deaths. Whether readmission policy directly caused excess deaths debated but undercount is documented fact.
MI Auditor General nursing home audit Jan 2022; DHHS data; Mackinac Center
1
Post-disaster recovery
Midland dam failure recovery slow — 5 years later, residents still without full relief as of May 2025. State faces trial over 2020 Edenville Dam failure (began Jan 2026). Over $200M in damages, 2,500+ structures. COVID economic recovery strong — auto industry rebounded, unemployment fell from 24% peak (April 2020) to pre-pandemic levels by 2022. $21.3B in new manufacturing investment followed.
Michigan Advance May 2025; FEMA PA records; BLS LAUS; MI economic data
2
Public health emergency response
COVID response among strictest nationally: stay-at-home orders, business closures, restaurant capacity limits. MI Supreme Court struck emergency powers Oct 2020 (4-3 ruling). Nursing home death undercount 42% (8,061 vs 5,675). Vaccination rates ultimately among highest in Midwest. Spawned kidnapping plot by domestic extremists (13 arrested Oct 2020). Death rate roughly at national average despite strictest restrictions.
Midwest Institute v. Governor (2020); MI Auditor General; CDC; FBI
1
Infrastructure failure prevention
Edenville Dam breached May 19, 2020; cascading failure overwhelmed Sanford Dam 2-3 hours later. 10,000+ evacuated (18 hours before breach — likely saving 10-20 lives). $200M+ in damages, 2,500+ structures damaged. Forensic report: failure was preventable if different actions taken over decades. EGLE had regulatory authority. State faces trial (Jan 2026) over dam oversight failures.
ASDSO forensic report; FERC; EGLE dam safety; FEMA; MI Advance Jan 2026
1
National Guard deployment appropriateness
National Guard deployed for COVID testing/vaccination operations and Midland County flood response (May 2020) — appropriate use in both cases. No controversial deployments against civilians. Corrections union requested Guard deployment for prison staffing (July 2024) but Whitmer did not activate for that purpose.
MI Military and Veterans Affairs; MI DOC; Detroit News July 2024
2
Emergency communication
Frequent COVID press briefings made Whitmer a national figure. Midland dam evacuations communicated 18 hours before breach — credited with saving 10-20 lives. However, COVID nursing home death data communicated inaccurately (42% undercount not corrected until Auditor General audit Jan 2022). Florida trip (March 2021) was unannounced despite travel advisories.
MI Governor's Office media records; ASDSO forensic report; MI Auditor General
2
Interagency coordination
MPART (EO 2019-3) established effective inter-agency PFAS coordination across EGLE, DHHS, and local health departments — identified 262 contamination sites. Midland flood response coordinated across EGLE, MSP, National Guard, FEMA. COVID exposed DHHS-nursing home coordination failures (death data undercount). UIA overwhelmed — inter-agency fraud response delayed.
MPART; MI agency records; Auditor General; UIA audit
3
Pandemic response metrics
Michigan COVID death rate at roughly national average despite among strictest restrictions — raises questions about lockdown effectiveness. Nursing home death undercount 42% (2,386 unreported deaths). Unemployment spiked to 24% April 2020 (highest in nation). Auto industry severely disrupted. But vaccination rates among highest in Midwest. Economy fully rebounded by 2022.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Michigan; BLS LAUS April 2020; MI Auditor General
1
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Edenville/Sanford Dam failures (May 19, 2020) forced evacuation of 10,000+ people. EGLE had regulatory authority — forensic report found failure was preventable. $200M+ damages, 2,500+ structures. State now faces trial (Jan 2026) over dam oversight. Tittabawassee River crested at 35.05 feet. Five years later, residents still awaiting full relief. Emergency response saved lives but prevention failed.
MI MSP/EMHSD; EGLE Dam Safety reports
1
FOIA/open records compliance
Michigan governor's office is exempt from FOIA — one of only two states (with Massachusetts). Whitmer has not pushed legislation to change this exemption despite 7+ years in office and having a Dem trifecta in 2023-24 to pass it. Transparency groups (Detroit Free Press, MI Press Association) have repeatedly called for reform. Significant transparency gap.
MI Freedom of Information Act; MI Press Association; transparency advocacy groups
1
Governor's schedule availability
Governor's office FOIA exemption means schedule is not subject to public records requests. Florida trip (March 12, 2021) was unannounced — traveled before vaccination to visit father via $27,521 charter flight paid by nonprofit tied to administration (Whitmer paid $855 for seat). Trip violated DHHS travel guidelines her own administration issued. FAA investigated flight.
MI FOIA law; Bridge Michigan; ClickOnDetroit; FAA investigation
1
Campaign finance compliance
No campaign finance violations across two gubernatorial campaigns. Won 2018 (53.3%) and 2022 (54.5% vs Tudor Dixon 43.8%). Campaign finance filings clean. No FEC or state campaign finance enforcement actions. Raised substantial funds as national Democratic figure but no compliance issues.
MI Secretary of State campaign finance records; MI Bureau of Elections
3
Financial disclosure
Financial disclosures filed as required under Michigan law. However, Michigan's financial disclosure requirements for governors are weaker than many states — limited detail required. FOIA exemption for governor's office further limits financial transparency. Husband Marc Mallory is a dentist (no complex business entanglements disclosed).
MI financial disclosure records; MI ethics law
2
Open meetings compliance
No major Open Meetings Act violations by executive branch. COVID-era shift to virtual meetings handled under emergency provisions. Legislature and commissions maintained open meeting compliance. AG Dana Nessel enforced OMA without conflicts with governor's office.
MI AG open meetings decisions; MI Open Meetings Act
3
Open data portal
Michigan maintains data.michigan.gov open data portal with datasets across agencies. COVID dashboard provided real-time case/death data (though nursing home data was inaccurate by 42%). MPART PFAS GIS mapping tool provides public contamination site data. Budget documents published online through MI State Budget Office.
data.michigan.gov; MI MPART GIS; MI State Budget Office
2
Budget transparency
Budget documents published online including full executive budget book ($83.5B FY26), line-item detail, and Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference reports. House and Senate Fiscal Agencies publish independent analyses. Capital outlay, supplemental budgets, and appropriation act summaries all publicly available.
MI State Budget Office website; House Fiscal Agency; Senate Fiscal Agency
2
Lobbying disclosure
Lobbying disclosure maintained through MI Secretary of State Lobbyist Registration system. Lobby reports filed and publicly searchable. However, Michigan's lobbying disclosure requirements considered moderate by national standards — no gift ban for legislators. Whitmer has not pushed for stronger lobbying reform despite 7+ years in office.
MI Secretary of State Lobbyist Registration; NCSL state lobbying law comparison
2
IG report publication
Auditor General reports published without interference, including critical Jan 2022 nursing home audit (42% death undercount), UIA fraud audit ($8.5B in fraudulent claims), and MPSERS pension reports. Reports publicly available on Auditor General website. Administration cooperated with publication even when findings were damaging.
MI Auditor General office; audgen.michigan.gov
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Cooperated with Auditor General nursing home investigation that found 42% death undercount, though DHHS disputed 1,511 of the 2,386 additional deaths identified. DHHS Director Gordon testified under legislative subpoena (April 2021). UIA fraud audit cooperation adequate. No evidence of obstruction but initial data provided was significantly inaccurate.
MI Auditor General; legislative oversight records; Gordon testimony April 2021
2
Press conference accessibility
Frequent COVID press briefings made Whitmer nationally prominent — became one of most visible governors. Media accessibility generally good. Delivered Democratic response to State of the Union (2020). However, restricted press access to governor's schedule due to FOIA exemption. Bar photo (May 2021) violated own COVID order — apologized publicly.
MI Governor's Office media records; Detroit News May 2021
2
State contract transparency
State contracts searchable through MI DTMB procurement portal. Major contracts for EV incentives ($2B+ to Ford, GM, LG, Gotion, ONE) publicly disclosed through MEDC and legislative appropriations. ROBIN broadband grants ($203M first round) awarded through competitive process with public announcements. No major contract transparency failures.
MI DTMB procurement portal; MEDC investment records
2
Court order compliance
Complied with MI Supreme Court ruling in Midwest Institute v. Governor (Oct 2020) striking down COVID emergency powers — did not defy order. Pivoted to DHHS orders under separate public health statute rather than defying court. No contempt of court findings during tenure. State also cooperating with Edenville Dam trial (Jan 2026).
Court records; Midwest Institute v. Governor, 506 Mich 344 (2020)
2
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges. Notably was target of domestic terrorism kidnapping plot (Oct 2020) — FBI arrested 13 suspects from Wolverine Watchmen militia. Ringleader Adam Fox sentenced to 16 years, co-conspirator Barry Croft to 19.5 years. Three state-level defendants convicted. Whitmer was the victim, not perpetrator. Clean personal criminal record.
Court records; U.S. v. Fox et al.; FBI Oct 2020; CNN Dec 2022
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
No substantiated ethics complaints against Whitmer personally over 7+ year tenure. Republican-led legislature investigated nursing home policy and DHHS director severance but no ethics findings against Whitmer. Michigan lacks an independent ethics commission (one of few states without one) which limits formal investigation capacity.
MI Bureau of Elections; MI Legislature oversight records
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Florida trip (March 12, 2021) to visit ailing father while unvaccinated — violated own DHHS travel guidelines. $27,521 charter flight paid by nonprofit tied to administration; Whitmer paid only $855 for seat. FAA investigated flight. Husband Marc Mallory's boat launch request (May 2020) — asked marina if being governor's husband could move him up the queue during lockdowns. Whitmer called it 'failed attempt at humor.' Apologized after bar photo (May 2021) showed her violating own COVID capacity orders.
Bridge Michigan; Fox News; Detroit News; FAA investigation May 2021
1
Conflict of interest
No documented conflicts of interest. Husband Marc Mallory is a dentist — no major business entanglements with state contracts. No investments conflicting with EV/clean energy policy advocacy. Charter flight nonprofit connection investigated but no conflict finding.
MI ethics records; financial disclosures
3
State resources for political purposes
No documented misuse of state resources for political purposes. Nonprofit-funded Florida charter flight ($27,521) raised questions about state-adjacent resources but was technically private funding. No use of state aircraft or vehicles for campaign events documented.
MI ethics records; flight records
3
Truthfulness — official statements
Nursing home COVID death count underreported by 42% — state reported 5,675 deaths vs Auditor General's 8,061 (2,386 unreported). DHHS disputed methodology on 1,511 deaths. Auditor General Doug Ringler defended data reliability. Whether intentional undercount or flawed methodology is debated, but inaccurate data was disseminated to public and legislators for nearly two years before correction.
MI Auditor General nursing home audit Jan 2022; Ringler testimony
1
Ethics protection — strengthened or weakened
Ethics framework maintained but not strengthened. Michigan remains one of few states without an independent ethics commission. FOIA exemption for governor's office persists. After Gordon NDA controversy, Whitmer issued executive directive banning confidentiality clauses in state separation agreements — a reactive reform but a positive step.
MI Ethics records; Executive Directive on separation agreements
2
Emoluments/self-enrichment
No self-enrichment allegations. Net worth not dramatically increased during tenure. Book deal and speaking fees after national prominence are standard for governors. No business interests benefiting from state policy decisions. Clean record on emoluments.
Financial disclosures; MI ethics records
3
Donor-to-appointment pipeline
No documented donor-to-appointment pipeline. Major campaign donors not placed in state positions in pattern that would suggest pay-to-play. $2B+ in EV incentives went to major auto manufacturers (Ford, GM, LG) through MEDC competitive process — not donor-driven. No AG or ethics investigations into appointment-donation connections.
MI campaign finance records; MEDC incentive records
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence connections. EV investments from LG Energy Solution (South Korea, $1.7B Holland) and Gotion (Chinese-affiliated, $2.36B Big Rapids) raised national security questions from legislators, but Whitmer treated as economic development. No personal foreign influence or payments.
MI ethics records; MEDC; congressional Gotion inquiries
3
Harassment — workplace/sexual
No harassment complaints against Whitmer or senior staff. Signed executive directive on first day (Jan 2019) strengthening anti-discrimination protections for state employees including gender identity and sexual orientation. Signed conversion therapy ban for minors (July 2023). Clean workplace conduct record.
MI HR records; Executive Directive 2019-01; HB 4616/4617
3
Records preservation
DHHS Director Gordon's $155K separation agreement included NDA (signed Feb 22, 2021) — raised questions about records suppression. NDA was subsequently dropped under pressure. Gordon testified under legislative subpoena April 2021. After controversy, Whitmer issued executive directive banning NDAs in separation agreements. No evidence of records destruction, but NDA attempt was concerning.
Bridge Michigan; Gordon testimony; Executive Directive on separation agreements
3
Revolving door compliance
No revolving door violations. DHHS Director Gordon's $155K severance was a separation payment, not a revolving door to industry. Gordon returned to nonprofit policy work. No pattern of senior officials leaving for regulated industries they oversaw. Michigan lacks a formal revolving door statute for executive branch — weakness in state ethics law.
MI ethics records; Gordon subsequent employment; NCSL revolving door laws
3
Major fraud in state programs
MASSIVE FRAUD. UIA paid $8.5B in fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims per Deloitte audit — $2.8B imposter fraud, $5.7B misrepresentation. 97% of fraud from federal programs (PUA). State clawing back $2.7B from 350,000 people. Former UIA Director 'downplayed potential of fraud.' Whitmer signed EO creating permanent Fraud Response Team. Criminal prosecutions ongoing.
NPR Dec 2021; Deloitte UIA audit; DOL OIG; FBI fraud records
1
Program integrity — improper payments
UIA improper payment rate catastrophically elevated during pandemic — $8.5B in fraudulent/improper payments (March 2020-Sept 2021). System overwhelmed by 4M+ claims in weeks when pre-pandemic volume was ~5,000/week. State clawing back $2.7B. MI Senate voted (Dec 2025) to block pursuit of some COVID-era overpayments from legitimate claimants. UIA paid $55M settlement to wrongly clawed-back claimants (April 2024).
MI UIA; DOL data; Detroit News Dec 2025; UIA settlement April 2024
1
IT modernization vs failures
UIA legacy IT system catastrophically failed during pandemic — built on decades-old COBOL platform, couldn't handle claim surge from ~5,000/week to 4M+ in weeks. Contributed to $8.5B in fraud losses. Modernization underway post-crisis. Secretary of State office modernization more successful — appointment system, online services, self-service kiosks at 160+ locations reduced wait times.
MI UIA; Auditor General; Bridge Michigan; MI SOS modernization
1
Permit/license processing
LARA permit processing times reasonable. MEDC fast-tracked EV manufacturing permits for $21.3B in investment projects. Business permitting streamlined for manufacturing incentive recipients (Ford, GM, LG, Gotion). Environmental permits (EGLE) maintained standard timelines. SOS office modernization reduced license/registration processing times with appointment system.
MI LARA; MEDC; EGLE; MI SOS
2
Child welfare outcomes
Child welfare system meeting CFSR standards — improvement from earlier federal oversight under consent decree. Childcare expanded to 105,000 additional families (income eligibility raised to $49K for family of 4). $1.4B invested in childcare using COVID relief funds. 40% of working families with children under 12 now eligible for free/low-cost childcare.
MI DHHS; ACF CFSR data; Governor's Office Nov 2021; Aug 2022
2
Medicaid administration
Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid expansion) peaked at 1M+ enrollees during COVID (May 2022). Post-unwinding enrollment stabilized at ~700K+ (2025). Total Medicaid enrollment ~2.7M as of mid-2024. Whitmer maintained and expanded program. Executive Directive 2025-3 issued to protect Medicaid access. Tampon tax repealed. Reproductive rights enshrined in constitution (Prop 3, Nov 2022).
MI DHHS Medicaid reports; healthinsurance.org; Governor's Office
2
Environmental compliance
MPART (EO 2019-3) identified 262 PFAS contamination sites, removed 60,000 gallons of firefighting foam. Wurtsmith AFB PFAS cleanup secured (Aug 2023). MI Clean Water Plan: $4B+ invested, strongest Lead and Copper Rule in nation, health-based PFAS standards established. 100% clean energy mandate by 2040 (Nov 2023). 160+ PFAS contamination sites affecting 2M Michiganders being addressed.
MPART; EPA Region 5; MI EGLE; Governor's clean energy signing Nov 2023
2
Transportation project delivery
STRONG. 'Fix the damn roads' campaign promise substantially delivered: 20,000+ lane miles fixed, 1,400+ bridges repaired, 118,000 construction jobs supported. Moody's upgraded three MDOT transportation bonds from Aa2 to Aa1 (Sept 2024, ~$2.8B outstanding). $920M BEAD broadband grant for rural connectivity. But 'fix the roads' funding gap persists — gas tax not raised.
MI DOT; Governor's Office; Moody's Sept 2024; NTIA BEAD
2
Unemployment insurance system
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. UIA system crashed under pandemic claims surge (~5,000/week to 4M+ in weeks). $8.5B in fraudulent payments. Legitimate claimants waited months for benefits while fraudsters collected. Legacy COBOL-based IT system couldn't handle volume. State clawing back $2.7B. UIA paid $55M settlement (April 2024) to wrongly clawed-back legitimate claimants. Auditor General found UIA 'not effective' at preventing fraud.
MI UIA; Auditor General Jan 2023 audit; DOL OIG; Detroit News
0
Veterans services
MVAA budget includes $2M for veteran homelessness grants, $1.2M for suicide prevention (550,000+ MI veterans). Free state park access for all veterans. National Guard tuition assistance expanded to cover spouses and dependents. Disabled veteran registration plate eligibility expanded (Oct 2024). MiVSONG and SVSPG grants operational.
MI Veterans Affairs Agency; Governor's FY25 budget signing July 2024
2
Housing/homelessness
Michigan housing costs below national average — affordable relative to coastal states. Childcare expanded to 105,000 additional families ($1.4B investment). Detroit housing market recovering but still affordable (median ~$100K vs national ~$400K). $2M veterans homelessness grants. Some urban homelessness challenges but Michigan's cost of living remains a competitive advantage.
HUD data; MI housing reports; Census ACS; Governor's Office
2
Corrections system
No DOJ interventions. Prison population 32,778 (2024) — down 36.4% from 51,554 peak (2007). Recidivism at historic low 22.7%. But prisons at 95% capacity (only 1,552 beds available) after facility closures. Corrections officers union (MCO) reported 20-30% vacancy rates at half of 26 facilities. Population rose 3% between 2021-2023. Staffing crisis is primary concern.
MI DOC; DOJ records; MI DOC Population Projection March 2024; Corrections1
3
Federal funding captured
EXCEPTIONAL. $21.3B in EV/clean energy project commitments with major federal tax incentives: GM $7B (Orion EV pickups + $2.5B Lansing Ultium battery), Ford $3.5B Marshall battery plant (later paused), LG Energy $1.7B Holland, Our Next Energy $1.6B Van Buren, Gotion $2.36B Big Rapids. $920M BEAD broadband (4th highest nationally). $274M Brandon Road Great Lakes project. IIJA road/bridge funds captured. Michigan positioned as national EV manufacturing leader.
MI Governor's Office Nov 2023; MEDC; NTIA BEAD; Army Corps Brandon Road
3
Corrective action compliance
No federal program suspensions or compliance sanctions. UIA fraud ($8.5B) was primarily in federally funded PUA program but no federal suspension of Michigan's unemployment program. $4B+ MI Clean Water Plan in compliance with EPA requirements. BEAD broadband grant ($920M) proceeding on schedule. Federal education funds deployed without issues.
Federal grant compliance records; DOL; EPA; NTIA
2
Interstate compacts/cooperation
Named chair of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (Oct 2023) — bipartisan group overseeing $6 trillion regional economy. Signed Brandon Road Interbasin Project agreement with Illinois (July 2024) — $274M federal + $114M state for invasive carp prevention ($1.15B total project). Active Great Lakes Compact participation protecting world's largest surface freshwater system.
Great Lakes Governors and Premiers Oct 2023; Army Corps Brandon Road July 2024
2
State-local government relations
Cooperative with municipalities. Detroit relationship strong — Moody's gave Detroit historic double-upgrade to investment grade (first since 2009), then S&P followed with upgrade. City's 11th consecutive upgrade reflects state-local economic partnership. Midland County dam recovery relationship strained — residents still awaiting relief 5 years later. Flint water crisis settlement ($600M) completed.
City of Detroit press releases; Moody's; MI municipal records; Flint settlement
2
Litigation cost to state
COVID emergency powers litigation resolved by MI Supreme Court (Oct 2020) without major state costs. Edenville Dam failure trial ongoing (began Jan 2026) — potential significant state liability for dam oversight failures. Flint water crisis settlement ($600M) was AG Nessel's accomplishment. No other major costly litigation initiated against the state during Whitmer tenure.
MI AG office litigation records; Edenville trial Jan 2026; Flint settlement
3
Constituent response time
Governor's office maintains constituent services division handling inquiries and casework. Secretary of State modernization improved citizen service: appointment scheduling at all 131 branch offices, 160+ self-service kiosks, online transactions — reduced typical visit to ~20 minutes. COVID-era virtual services expanded access. $400/vehicle auto insurance refund checks reached millions of households.
MI Governor's Office; MI SOS modernization; DIFS refund data
3
Town halls/public engagement
Highly visible public engagement. Delivered Democratic response to State of the Union (Feb 2020). Frequent COVID press briefings made her nationally prominent. Campaigned for Biden 2020 and was on VP shortlist. Active in 2024 presidential campaign. Town halls and community events throughout Michigan. National profile sometimes overshadowed state-level engagement.
MI Governor's Office; national media coverage; DNC
2
Satisfaction/approval rating
Approval improved over tenure: 50% approve/46% disapprove (early 2022) to 56% approve/40% disapprove (Q3 2023) to net +21 by 2025 (Morning Consult). Won 2022 reelection 54.5% to Tudor Dixon's 43.8% — 10.7-point margin, wider than 2018 victory. Term-limited. Ranked 24th most popular governor nationally (2023).
Morning Consult governor tracker; MI SOS 2022 election results; CBS Detroit
2
ADA/accessibility compliance
No reported ADA compliance issues in state government. SOS modernization (160+ self-service kiosks, online services) improved accessibility for disabled residents. Signed bills expanding disabled veteran registration plate eligibility (Oct 2024). State buildings and services meet ADA requirements. No DOJ ADA enforcement actions against Michigan during tenure.
MI Governor's Office; MI SOS; DOJ ADA records
2
Electoral mandate/succession
Won 2022 reelection decisively — 54.5% to Tudor Dixon's 43.8% (10.7-point margin), wider than 2018 victory margin. Democrats won full trifecta (governor, House, Senate) for first time since 1984. Reproductive rights Prop 3 on ballot boosted turnout. Term-limited under MI Constitution — cannot run for third term. Succession: Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist or 2026 open primary.
MI Secretary of State 2022 results; MI Constitution term limits
2

Section B — State Outcomes 597/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

37,000 new auto jobs secured. First new Detroit auto plant in 30 years. $21.3B in battery/clean energy investments. GSP reached ~$650B (14th largest). But auto manufacturing employment actually down 4% in 2025 (6,500 fewer jobs). Unemployment 4.5-4.9%. EV transition uncertain with tariff risks.
Census 2025: MI population 10,127,884 — grew for 4th consecutive year (+27,922, 0.3%). First net domestic migration gain since at least 1990: +1,796 (Jul 2024-Jun 2025). International migration +30,706 (down from 60K+ prior year). 5th consecutive year of natural population decrease (more deaths than births). Since 2020, MI grew just 0.55% — trailing Indiana (2.7%), Minnesota (2.1%), Wisconsin (1.28%). Long-term projection: population rises to ~10.3M by 2034, then declines to 9.9M by 2050 (-1.3%). Ranked 18th in numerical growth, 35th in percent growth. Detroit still losing population but pace slowed dramatically. Whitmer statement: 'population growing 4th year in a row' — first time in decades. Positive domestic migration driven by declining departures rather than surge of arrivals.
Seven consecutive balanced budgets (FY20-FY26). FY26 budget $83.5B. Credit ratings stable: Moody's upgraded 3 MDOT transportation bonds from Aa2 to Aa1 (Sept 2024, ~$2.8B outstanding). Budget Stabilization Fund doubled from ~$1.1B (2019) to record $2.2B (2025). School rainy day fund at $550M. FY26 targets $2.3B BSF balance. Largest K-12 education investment in state history without raising taxes. Pension underfunding persists (MPSERS ~65% funded). No structural deficit created despite major new spending programs (EV incentives, childcare, education). Post-COVID revenue surge turned projected $3B deficit into $3.5B surplus by 2021. Auto industry disruption risk: EV transition uncertain with tariff risks — Ford paused $3.5B Marshall battery plant.
Detroit violent crime at historic lows: 165 homicides in 2025 (down 19% from 203 in 2024, down 35% from 252 in 2023, lowest since 1960s). Non-fatal shootings 447 (2025) — down 26% YoY, down 62% from 1,176 in 2020. Whitmer invested $1.5B+ in public safety since taking office. Revenue sharing to local governments up 29%. Operation Safe Neighborhoods: 900+ illegal guns confiscated. Public Safety Trust Fund: $10.6M for Detroit law enforcement/violence prevention. Gun safety legislation signed 2023: universal background checks, safe storage requirements, extreme risk protection orders (red flag), domestic abuser firearms ban. Gun Violence Prevention Task Force established Jun 2024. MI State Police hosted 300+ at Gun Violence Intervention Summit (Oct 2025). Kidnapping plot target (13 arrested Oct 2020) — victim, not perpetrator.
Largest K-12 investment in state history. Closed school funding gap. Free breakfast/lunch for 1.4M students. Free pre-K and community college (Michigan Guarantee). NAEP scores improving. But started from below-average base.
Healthy Michigan (Medicaid expansion) providing coverage to hundreds of thousands. Childcare expanded to 105K additional families. Repealed tampon tax. But nursing home COVID controversy persists. Rural healthcare access challenges.
STRONG. 20,000+ lane miles fixed. 1,400+ bridges repaired. 118,000+ construction jobs supported. Major manufacturing facility investments. EV infrastructure development. Significant measurable improvement in roads/bridges. But Midland dam failures (2020) revealed oversight gaps.
BEA RPP: MI at ~93-95 (prices 5-7% below national average). Housing very affordable: Detroit median ~$100K vs national ~$400K. Statewide median ~$235K. $400/vehicle auto insurance refund checks ($3.2B+ distributed to millions of MI households under DIFS reform). Auto insurance reform reduced premiums. Energy costs moderate — DTE/Consumers Energy rates near Midwest average. No state income tax on retirement income (Whitmer repealed Snyder-era pension tax, saving 500K households ~$1,000/yr). Childcare expanded to 105K additional families ($1.4B investment). Property taxes moderate. Gas prices near national average. Overall strong value proposition for Midwest metro living.
WEAKNESS: MI governor's office and legislature fully exempt from FOIA — one of only two states (with Massachusetts). Senate passed FOIA reform (SBs 1 and 2, 33-2 bipartisan vote, Jan 2025) to extend FOIA to governor/legislature, but House Speaker Matt Hall declared 'We're not doing FOIA' (Jan 2026). Mackinac Center: 'After 2,500 days, Whitmer ignores her open government promise' — she pledged voluntary FOIA extension but never acted through 7+ years in office. Nursing home COVID death undercount 42% (8,061 actual vs 5,675 reported per Auditor General Jan 2022). DHHS Director Gordon $155K severance included NDA (later dropped). Florida trip ($27,521 charter flight) undisclosed. COVID dashboard provided real-time data but nursing home data was inaccurate for 2 years. data.michigan.gov portal functional. MPART PFAS GIS mapping tool publicly available. Budget transparency adequate through State Budget Office.
COVID controversies: nursing home death undercount 42% (8,061 actual vs 5,675 reported, 2,386 deaths unreported per Auditor General Jan 2022). Among strictest lockdowns nationally — MI Supreme Court struck down emergency powers Oct 2020 (4-3 ruling in Midwest Institute v. Governor). Florida trip Mar 2021: $27,521 charter flight paid by admin-connected nonprofit while state had travel advisories (Whitmer paid $855 for seat, FAA investigated). Bar photo May 2021: violated own COVID capacity orders — apologized. DHHS Director Gordon: $155K severance with NDA (later dropped, testified under subpoena April 2021). Husband boat launch request (May 2020) called 'failed attempt at humor.' Kidnapping plot target (13 arrested Oct 2020, ringleader sentenced to 16 years). Auto insurance reform ($400/vehicle refund) popular. No personal corruption or criminal charges.
Against predecessor Rick Snyder (R, 2011-2019): Snyder left with Flint water crisis legacy ($600M settlement), departure approval ~45%. Snyder added 532,000 jobs; Whitmer secured $21.3B EV/clean energy investment and 37,000 new auto jobs. Whitmer reversed key Snyder policies: repealed Right to Work, restored prevailing wage, repealed retirement tax (saving 500K households ~$1,000/yr), repealed Read by Grade 3 law. School funding: Snyder era $13.0B-$14.8B; Whitmer era: largest K-12 investment in state history. ~1,600 bipartisan bills signed. Infrastructure measurably improved: 20,000+ lane miles fixed, 1,400+ bridges repaired, Moody's upgraded 3 MDOT bonds from Aa2 to Aa1. But COVID controversies (42% nursing home death undercount, Supreme Court struck emergency powers), UIA $8.5B fraud, FOIA exemption, and dam failure temper legacy. First MI trifecta since 1984.
Won 2022 reelection decisively: 54.5% to Tudor Dixon's 43.8% (10.7-pt margin, wider than 2018 victory). Democrats won full trifecta (governor, House, Senate) for first time since 1984. Reproductive rights Prop 3 on ballot boosted turnout. Morning Consult: net approval +21 by 2025, ranked 24th nationally. Won with broader margins than predecessor Snyder's re-election. Term-limited under MI Constitution — cannot run for 3rd term. 2028 presidential speculation widespread. Successor race: Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist or 2026 open primary. Legacy will be defined by whether $21.3B EV/clean energy investments produce sustained jobs or tariff risks undermine the transition.
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Section C — Oath Fidelity -8 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 5 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
Michigan violent crime rate declined modestly during Whitmer's tenure. Detroit homicides fell dramatically: 165 in 2025 (down 35% from 252 in 2023, lowest since 1960s). Non-fatal shootings down 62% from 2020 peak. Statewide rate still above national average but trending downward.
FBI UCR/NIBRS; Detroit Police Department; MI State Police
+1
Homicide rate relative to national average
Michigan homicide rate remains above national average, driven by Detroit (though dramatically improving), Flint, Saginaw, and other mid-size cities. Rate approximately 15-30% above national average despite significant improvement in Detroit.
FBI UCR/NIBRS; CDC WONDER mortality data
-1
Homicide clearance rate
Michigan homicide clearance rate approximately 40-49% range. Detroit clearance rates historically low but improving with DPD investments. Statewide performance near national average.
FBI UCR Supplementary Homicide Reports; MI State Police
0
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
Michigan corrections staffing crisis: nearly half of 26 prison facilities have vacancy rates over 20%, five exceed 30%. Corrections officers union asked for National Guard deployment (July 2024). Local police staffing challenges in Detroit and mid-size cities. Revenue sharing to locals up 29% but staffing gaps persist.
MI DOC vacancy reports; Detroit News July 2024; MCO union; BLS
-1
Drug overdose death rate trend
Michigan opioid/fentanyl deaths increased significantly during tenure. MI ranked among higher-rate states for drug overdose mortality. Some stabilization in 2024-2025 but rate remains elevated above pre-pandemic levels. Fentanyl seizures increasing.
CDC WONDER; NCHS provisional overdose data; MI DHHS
-1
Emergency management preparedness
Michigan emergency management adequate. FEMA declarations secured for COVID and Midland County dam failures. EMAP accreditation maintained. MPART PFAS coordination across agencies effective. Dam failure exposed preparedness gaps but overall system functional.
FEMA SPR; MI MSP/EMHSD; EMAP accreditation
+1
Preventable mass-casualty event response
Mixed. Edenville/Sanford Dam failures (May 2020) — 10,000+ evacuated 18 hours before breach (saving lives), but dam oversight failure was preventable. $200M+ damages, 2,500+ structures. State faces trial Jan 2026. COVID response among strictest nationally but outcomes at national average. Nursing home death undercount 42%.
ASDSO forensic report; FEMA; MI Auditor General; court records
0
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
Significant improvement: 20,000+ lane miles fixed, 1,400+ bridges repaired, 118,000 construction jobs. Moody's upgraded 3 MDOT bonds Aa2 to Aa1 (Sept 2024). 'Fix the damn roads' campaign promise substantially delivered. MI structurally deficient bridges declining.
MI DOT; FHWA NBI; Moody's Sept 2024; ASCE
+2
Water and dam safety compliance
Edenville Dam breached May 19, 2020 — cascading failure at Sanford Dam. Forensic report found failure preventable. EGLE had regulatory authority. 10,000+ evacuated, $200M+ damages. However, MPART identified 262 PFAS sites, strongest Lead and Copper Rule in nation, $4B+ MI Clean Water Plan. Dam failure offsets water safety gains.
ASDSO forensic report; EGLE; MPART; EPA; NID
-1
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid expansion) covers 700K+. Total Medicaid enrollment ~2.7M. Michigan uninsured rate approximately 5-6%, well below national average. Whitmer maintained and expanded coverage access.
Census ACS; KFF State Health Facts; MI DHHS
+2
Maternal mortality rate
Michigan maternal mortality rate near national average, approximately 25-30 per 100K live births. Disparities persist — Black maternal mortality significantly higher. Prop 3 reproductive rights amendment may improve access but maternal health outcomes remain average.
CDC WONDER; NCHS; MI MMRC reports
0
Infant mortality rate
Michigan infant mortality rate approximately 6.5-7.0 per 1,000 live births — above national average of ~5.4. Significant racial disparities. Some improvement during tenure but remains deficient relative to peer states.
CDC WONDER; NCHS linked birth/infant death records
-1
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
Michigan has Castle Doctrine (MCL 780.951) and Stand Your Ground (MCL 780.972) with no duty to retreat where lawfully present. Self-defense immunity provisions in place. Whitmer has not weakened these protections.
MCL 780.951, 780.972; NRA-ILA MI law summary
+2
Death penalty procedural safeguards
Michigan abolished the death penalty in 1847 — first English-speaking jurisdiction to do so. As abolitionist state, maintains LWOP and victim services. No death penalty means no wrongful execution risk. Basic victim restitution framework in place.
MI Constitution Art. IV §46; Death Penalty Information Center
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
Michigan suicide rate near national average (~14-15 per 100K). State has a suicide prevention plan and 988 integration underway. MVAA invests $1.2M for veteran suicide prevention. Outcomes average — no dramatic improvement or decline.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP MI fact sheet; MVAA budget
0
911/emergency response time adequacy
Michigan EMS and fire response times at or near national standards in metro areas. Rural response times challenged by geography. No documented systemic failures. Standard performance.
NFPA compliance data; MI EMS registry; NEMSIS
0
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
Michigan has funded opioid response through SAMHSA grants and state appropriations. MDHHS operates opioid treatment programs. However, overdose deaths remained elevated throughout tenure. Outcomes flat despite investment.
SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; MI DHHS; DEA seizure data
0
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
MVAA budget includes $1.2M suicide prevention, $2M homelessness grants for 550,000+ MI veterans. Free state park access. National Guard tuition expanded to spouses/dependents. Disabled veteran plate eligibility expanded (Oct 2024). Some dedicated programs with modest outcomes.
MI Veterans Affairs Agency; Governor's FY25 budget
+1
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
Michigan food safety inspection program meets FDA conformance standards. No major outbreaks linked to state inspection failures during tenure. MDARD maintains adequate food safety oversight.
FDA Conformance Standards; MDARD; CDC FoodNet
+1
Workplace fatality rate
Michigan workplace fatality rate approximately 3.5-4.0 per 100K FTE — near national average. Manufacturing sector risks offset by automotive safety improvements. MIOSHA operates as state-plan state with adequate oversight.
BLS CFOI; MIOSHA data
+1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
Michigan has a DV fatality review board and funded DV programs. Gun safety package (2023) included domestic abuser firearms ban. Rate near national average. Shelter capacity adequate in metro areas, gaps in rural.
NNEDV; MI DV fatality review; BJS
+1
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
Michigan prisons at 95% capacity after facility closures. Corrections officer vacancy rates 20-30% at half of 26 facilities. MCO union reported dangerous conditions. Population 32,778 (down 36.4% from 2007 peak) but rising 3% between 2021-2023. Staffing crisis raises safety concerns.
MI DOC; BJS Mortality in State Prisons; MCO union; Corrections1
-1
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
MPART identified 262 PFAS contamination sites, removed 60,000 gallons firefighting foam. Strongest Lead and Copper Rule in nation. $4B+ MI Clean Water Plan. 100% clean energy by 2040 mandate. Proactive environmental health investment, though legacy contamination (Flint, PFAS) persists.
MPART; EPA Green Book; MI EGLE; Superfund data
+1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
Michigan traffic fatality rate approximately 1.2-1.4 per 100M VMT — near national average. 20,000+ lane miles fixed may improve safety long-term. No dramatic improvement or decline in traffic fatalities during tenure.
NHTSA FARS; MI DOT crash data; GHSA
0
Sanctity of life legislative framework
Whitmer championed Proposal 3 (Nov 2022), which enshrined abortion rights in Michigan's constitution — passed 56.7%. Most permanent form of abortion expansion possible. Repealed 1931 abortion ban (Reproductive Health Act). Removed virtually all gestational limits and clinic safety regulations. Used state funds and advocacy to promote. Went furthest of any governor in this batch.
MI SOS Prop 3 results; Guttmacher; SCOTUS Dobbs; Reproductive Health Act
-3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Significant homelessness funding through ARP. $1B+ in police/fire/first responders. No targeted encampment response.
michigan.gov/whitmer
0
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
First positive domestic migration since 1990 (+1,796). Growth overwhelmingly international. Mixed results.
michigan.gov/mcda; detroitnews.com
0
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
$1B+ in police/fire. $30M police hiring grants. Called defunding 'dangerous and foolish.'
michigan.gov/whitmer
+1
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Signed bipartisan jail reform. Cash bail elimination rejected. Mixed approach.
michigan.gov/whitmer; michiganadvance.com
0
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Expanded LGBTQ protections. Updated civil rights law. No biological sex protections.
outinjersey.net; michiganadvance.com
-2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
$26.5M mental health/school safety grants. Jail Task Force addressed diversion.
michigan.gov/whitmer
+1

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (Amendments I-X); 14th Amendment incorporation
Score: -11 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
Michigan is a shall-issue CPL state with objective criteria — Bruen-compliant. Not constitutional carry. Whitmer did not change carry law status. CPL required with training, background check. Moderate requirements maintained.
MCL 28.425b; USCCA; SCOTUS Bruen analysis
0
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
Michigan has NO assault weapons ban. Whitmer did not sign semi-automatic rifle restrictions despite having Dem trifecta in 2023-24. No feature-based bans or name bans enacted. Federal law baseline only.
MI statutes; ATF state law compendium
0
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
Michigan has NO magazine capacity restrictions. Standard-capacity magazines legal. No legislation enacted during Whitmer's tenure despite Dem trifecta.
MI statutes; NRA-ILA; Giffords
0
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
Whitmer signed Michigan's first red flag law (Extreme Risk Protection Order, 2023). Includes ex parte initial orders, full hearing within 14 days, clear and convincing standard. Some due process protections but ex parte seizure period and implementation concerns.
MI ERPO statute (2023); HB 4145-4148
-1
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
Michigan has no specific campus free speech statute. University of Michigan has faced free speech controversies but no state legislation either protecting or suppressing campus speech. Neutral posture.
FIRE campus free speech rankings; MI legislation
0
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
Michigan has a narrow anti-SLAPP statute (MCL 600.2911) providing some protection but limited in scope. No expansion during Whitmer's tenure. Common law protections supplement.
MCL 600.2911; Public Participation Project
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
Michigan has no state RFRA. COVID-era church closures applied similarly to secular gatherings but drew religious liberty complaints. Whitmer's strict lockdowns restricted religious gatherings. No proactive religious liberty legislation signed. Conversion therapy ban (2023) raised concerns about religious counseling restrictions.
MI statutes; Becket Fund; COVID executive orders
-1
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
Michigan relies primarily on federal Carpenter standard. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute enacted. No documented expansion of warrantless surveillance. Neutral posture.
MI statutes; EFF state surveillance database
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
Michigan enacted significant civil asset forfeiture reform in 2019 — criminal conviction required for property under $50,000. Reporting requirements added. Reform signed during Whitmer's first year. Meaningful improvement from previous preponderance standard.
MI civil asset forfeiture reform (2019); Institute for Justice
+2
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
Michigan enacted strong post-Kelo reforms through constitutional amendment (Proposal 4, 2006, pre-Whitmer) prohibiting economic development takings after the original Kelo case involved a Michigan-like scenario. Wayne County v. Hathcock (2004) MI Supreme Court already rejected Kelo rationale. Whitmer has maintained these protections.
MI Constitution Art. X §2; Wayne County v. Hathcock; Castle Coalition
+1
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
Michigan permitting timelines are standard. MEDC fast-tracked EV manufacturing permits for $21.3B in investment. Environmental permits through EGLE maintained standard timelines. No documented systemic delays or political weaponization.
MI LARA; MEDC; EGLE permitting data
0
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
Whitmer generally aligned with federal administration during Biden era. Repealed right-to-work, embraced federal clean energy mandates, implemented federal gun safety framework. Did not lead federal overreach resistance. Passive acquiescence on most federal expansions. Some pushback on PFAS standards timeline.
MI executive orders; federal-state relations; legislative record
-1
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
Whitmer signed executive directive on first day adding gender identity/sexual orientation to state anti-discrimination protections. Has maintained race-conscious programs. Michigan Civil Rights Commission expanded enforcement. Post-SFFA compliance unclear — no specific SFFA compliance actions documented.
Executive Directive 2019-01; MI Civil Rights Commission; SFFA compliance
-1
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
Michigan had firearms preemption but Whitmer signed legislation in 2023-24 allowing some local authority over firearms. Preemption partially eroded by new gun safety package provisions. Some localities now exploring local restrictions beyond state minimums.
MI preemption statutes; NRA-ILA; 2023 gun safety legislation
-1
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
Michigan governor's office is exempt from FOIA — one of only two states. Whitmer promised voluntary FOIA extension but never acted through 7+ years including Dem trifecta. Mackinac Center: 'After 2,500 days, Whitmer ignores open government promise.' Senate passed bipartisan FOIA reform (33-2) but House blocked. Significant transparency failure.
MI FOIA law; Mackinac Center; MI Press Association; Senate FOIA votes
-2
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
Michigan created the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) in 2013 (pre-Whitmer) and Whitmer has continued funding. MIDC implementing statewide standards. Caseloads improving from previously critical levels. Adequate funding trajectory.
MIDC annual reports; Sixth Amendment Center; MI state budget
+1
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
Michigan has implemented some bail reform measures. Pretrial risk assessment tools deployed in some jurisdictions. Cash bail still exists but reforms reducing detention solely for inability to pay. Reasonable balance between public safety and excessive bail concerns.
Pretrial Justice Institute; MI court records
+1
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
Significant new regulatory burden under Whitmer: 100% clean energy mandate by 2040, paid sick leave, right-to-work repeal restoring union security agreements, universal background checks, safe storage requirements. Michigan regulatory burden increased notably during tenure.
Mercatus RegData; Pacific Research Institute; MI LARA
-1
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
AG Dana Nessel (appointed ally) actively pursues anti-2A litigation, files amicus briefs supporting gun restrictions, and enforces new gun control laws. Whitmer signed gun safety package and established Gun Violence Prevention Task Force (June 2024). Anti-2A litigation posture.
MI AG amicus briefs; Gun Violence Prevention Task Force; litigation records
-2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
Executive Directive 2019-01 imposed gender identity/sexual orientation protections for state employees and contractors — includes pronoun and identity accommodation requirements. Conversion therapy ban (2023) restricts professional speech. Some compelled speech elements in professional and state employee contexts.
ED 2019-01; HB 4616/4617 conversion therapy ban; MI LARA
-1
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
Michigan generally maintains open interstate commerce. $21.3B EV investment from out-of-state companies demonstrates openness. No documented unconstitutional interstate trade barriers. Standard commerce environment.
MEDC; court rulings; reciprocity agreements
0
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
Michigan has enacted military spouse expedited licensing and some occupational licensing reciprocity. LARA has reduced some licensing barriers. Not comprehensive reform but some positive steps during tenure.
MI LARA; IJ License to Work; NCSL data
+1
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
MPSERS pension ~71.2% funded (improving from lower levels). UAAL $28B. Making ARC payments. Right-to-work repeal altered existing employer-union contractual frameworks. Bond ratings stable/upgraded. Mixed — pension improving but still below adequate levels.
MPSERS CAFR; Pew pension data; S&P/Moody's/Fitch
0
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
Michigan jury trial access standard. No documented erosion of jury rights. COVID-era delays resolved. Administrative adjudication at normal levels. No specific reforms enacted.
MI court annual reports; NCSC court statistics
0
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
Michigan has no statewide sanctuary law but 10 local sanctuary jurisdictions (Detroit, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, etc.) violate 8 USC §1373. Whitmer took zero action against them. No E-Verify mandate. No 287(g) agreements. However, no statewide sanctuary law, no DLs for undocumented, no in-state tuition — less severe than full sanctuary states.
8 USC §1373; FAIR sanctuary database; ICE detainer data; MI statutes
-1
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
No specific action on QI. Strong LEO funding suggests support.
General research
0
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Vetoed voter ID despite 80% support. Signed automatic voter registration, 9-day early voting, mandatory drop boxes.
michigan.gov/whitmer; bridgemi.com
-2
Non-citizen voting prevention
SOS acknowledged non-citizen loophole. Working on fix but opposed proof of citizenship requirement.
michiganadvance.com
-1
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Updated civil rights for gender identity. No women's sports protections. No Title IX EO.
outinjersey.net
-2

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923); Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925); Troxel v. Granville (2000); Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972); Parham v. J.R. (1979); 14th Amendment substantive due process
Score: 4 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
Michigan has no Parental Bill of Rights statute. Common law parental rights maintained. No legislation weakening or strengthening parental rights specifically enacted. Neutral framework.
MI statutes; NCSL parental rights tracker
0
Education choice — school choice programs
Michigan constitution prohibits public money for private/religious schools (Blaine Amendment, Art. VIII §2). Charter schools permitted (380+ operating). No ESA or voucher program. Whitmer invested heavily in public schools (record funding) but did not advance school choice programs. Restrictive charter cap discussions ongoing.
MI Constitution Art. VIII §2; EdChoice; NAPCS; MI state budget
-1
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
Prop 3 (2022) enshrined reproductive rights in MI constitution, effectively removing parental consent requirements for abortion for minors through constitutional protection. Standard parental consent for other medical procedures maintained. Conversion therapy ban restricts parental authority in mental health treatment choices.
MI Constitution (Prop 3); Guttmacher; HB 4616/4617
-1
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
Michigan has no restrictions on gender-transition procedures for minors. Medicaid covers some transition services. No parental consent mandate specific to transition procedures. Executive Directive 2019-01 expanded gender identity protections. No 'refuge state' legislation enacted but no restrictions either.
MI statutes; CMS Medicaid data; ED 2019-01
-1
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
Michigan child abuse/neglect rate near national average. CPS system improved from earlier federal oversight. No dramatic increase or decrease during tenure. Standard performance.
ACF NCANDS Child Maltreatment; MI DHHS CPS data
0
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
Michigan foster care system meeting CFSR improvement standards after years of federal oversight and consent decree. Performance near national average on outcomes. System stabilized during Whitmer's tenure.
ACF CFSR data; MI DHHS child welfare reports
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
Michigan permanency outcomes near national average. Median time to permanency standard. System improving from consent decree era but not yet exemplary. Average performance.
ACF AFCARS data; MI DHHS
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
Michigan has comprehensive trafficking statute, AG human trafficking unit, safe harbor provisions for minor victims, and increasing prosecutions. MI ranked as model state by Shared Hope International in recent years. Adequate enforcement.
Polaris Project; Shared Hope International; MI AG trafficking unit
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
Michigan 4th grade NAEP reading approximately 29-31% at or above proficient. Near national average. Improving from below-average base with record K-12 investment ($10,050 per-pupil). Free school meals for 1.4M students should help long-term but outcomes still average.
NCES NAEP state results; MI state education data
0
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
Michigan 8th grade NAEP math approximately 25-28% at or above proficient. Near national average. Largest K-12 investment in state history but outcomes still developing. Not yet seeing dramatic NAEP improvement.
NCES NAEP state results
0
Parental curriculum transparency
Michigan has no specific parental curriculum transparency statute. General access to curriculum on request through local school boards. No mandated online posting requirements. Standard framework.
MI Education Code; school board policies
0
Social media — minor protections
Michigan has not enacted specific social media minor protection legislation beyond federal COPPA baseline. No age verification or parental consent requirements enacted. Reliance on federal standards only.
MI statutes; NCSL tracker
0
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
Michigan raised juvenile jurisdiction. Limited mandatory transfer for non-violent offenses. Recidivism at historic low 22.7%. Funded rehabilitation programs. Juvenile justice reform progressing. Generally adequate framework.
MI DOC; OJJDP state profiles; Campaign for Youth Justice
+1
Child poverty rate and state response
Michigan child poverty rate approximately 14-16%. Childcare expanded to 105,000 additional families ($1.4B investment, eligibility to $49K for family of 4). Free school meals for 1.4M students. Free pre-K (Michigan Guarantee). Record education investment helping address child poverty.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT; MI DHHS
+1
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
Michigan has subsidized adoption and standard home study process. Faith-based adoption agency protections were a legal battleground (Fulton v. City of Philadelphia implications). Standard adoption framework. No major expansion or restriction during tenure.
ACF AFCARS; MI DHHS adoption programs
0
Homeschool rights and protections
Michigan is a moderate homeschool regulation state. Notification required with some reporting. No mandatory testing. Homeschool students can participate in public school sports and activities. Standard regulatory framework maintained during Whitmer's tenure.
HSLDA MI law; MI Compulsory Education Act
0
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
Michigan participates in ICAC task force. AG Nessel has prosecuted CSAM cases. Mandatory reporting compliance maintained. Adequate enforcement and funding. Standard to above-average performance.
ICAC task force data; MI AG prosecution data; NCMEC
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
Michigan invested in school safety after Oxford High School shooting (Nov 2021, 4 killed). Gun safety package (2023) included safe storage requirements aimed at preventing school shootings. SRO programs in many schools. Threat assessment protocols enhanced post-Oxford. Parents Jennifer and James Crumbley convicted of manslaughter (precedent case).
MI school safety legislation; Oxford shooting aftermath; Governor's gun safety package
+1
Children's mental health services access
Michigan school counselor ratios near national average (~450-500:1). Some investment in children's mental health through education budget. 988 integration underway. Average access — not dramatically improved during tenure.
ASCA ratio data; MI DHHS; SAMHSA
0
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
Michigan maintains religious and medical exemptions for childhood vaccinations (no philosophical exemption). Standard exemption framework. Whitmer did not change vaccination exemption laws during tenure despite strict COVID approach.
NCSL vaccination data; MI immunization statutes
0
Child care affordability and access
Whitmer expanded childcare to 105,000 additional families ($1.4B investment). Income eligibility raised to $49K for family of 4. 40% of working families with children under 12 now eligible. Michigan Tri-Share Childcare Program (employer/employee/state split costs). Significant childcare expansion.
MI DHHS; ACF CCDF data; Governor's Office
+2
Education — teacher quality and retention
Michigan teacher vacancies and shortage challenges similar to national trends. Record per-pupil funding ($10,050) and educator bonuses in FY26 budget should help. Teacher pay near Midwest average. Some shortage areas persist (STEM, special education). Average performance.
MI Department of Education; NEA salary rankings; NCES
0
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
Free breakfast and lunch for all 1.4M Michigan public school students. Child food insecurity rate improving. Strong school meal participation. One of few states providing universal free school meals. Positive impact on child nutrition.
USDA FNS; Feeding America; MI Department of Education
+1
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
Michigan family court system meets standard due process requirements. CPS improvements since consent decree era. Standard protections including judicial review and appointed counsel. No documented systemic due process violations.
MI child welfare statutes; ABA Center on Children and the Law
0
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
Michigan has been rated 'Needs Assistance' by OSEP for multiple consecutive years on IDEA compliance. Some districts requiring intervention. Special education teacher shortages. Below-adequate performance on federal compliance metrics.
OSEP annual determinations; MI IDEA Part B data
-1

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Gubernatorial oath: 'I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office'; Article IV, Section 4; state constitutional requirements
Score: -6 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
Seven consecutive balanced budgets (FY20-FY26). Post-COVID surplus deployed to rainy day fund ($2.2B record) and one-time investments rather than recurring obligations. No structural deficits created. $83.5B FY26 budget balanced. Disciplined fiscal management.
MI State Budget Office; NASBO; Revenue Estimating Conference
+2
State credit rating stability
Fitch upgraded Michigan from AA to AA+ (July 2022). Moody's Aa1 stable. S&P improved outlook from negative to stable. Moody's upgraded 3 MDOT bonds Aa2 to Aa1 (Sept 2024). Positive trajectory but not AAA. AA+ level = +1.
Fitch July 2022; S&P Global; Moody's Sept 2024
+1
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
Budget Stabilization Fund doubled from ~$1.1B (2019) to record $2.2B (2025). School rainy day fund $550M. FY26 targets $2.3B. BSF approximately 8-10% of general fund. Strong reserves built during tenure.
MI State Budget Office; NASBO; Pew rainy day data
+2
Pension system funding responsibility
MPSERS pension ~71.2% funded. UAAL $28B. Making ARC payments. OPEB surplus at 151.9%. Gradual improvement from lower levels but legacy auto-era unfunded liability persists. 70-79% range = adequate.
MPSERS CAFR FY2024; MI ORS; Pew pension data
0
State debt burden
Outstanding state debt $7.0B ($691M GO bonds, $6.2B revenue bonds). Debt per capita below national average ($1,807 median). Ranked 21st best. No major new GO bond issuances. Adequate debt management.
MI Treasury; MI ACFR FY2024; Census debt data
+1
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
Michigan state employee headcount near national median per capita. Corrections vacancy crisis suggests understaffing in some areas while overall headcount standard. No major efficiency reforms or patronage hiring documented.
Census Annual Survey of Public Employment; MI Civil Service Commission
0
Inspector General / state auditor independence
Auditor General Doug Ringler operated independently throughout tenure. Published critical nursing home audit (42% death undercount) and UIA fraud audit ($8.5B) without interference. AG is legislative branch appointee — independence maintained. Administration cooperated even with damaging findings.
MI Auditor General; MI Constitution Art. IV §53
+2
Ethics violations and personal scandals
No criminal charges but multiple personal scandals: Florida trip ($27,521 charter flight, March 2021) violated own travel advisories; bar photo (May 2021) violated own COVID capacity orders; husband boat launch request during lockdown. DHHS Director Gordon $155K severance with NDA (later dropped). No substantiated ethics violations but pattern of 'rules for thee, not for me' perception.
MI ethics records; media investigations; FAA investigation
-1
Executive order restraint
MI Supreme Court ruled 4-3 in Midwest Institute of Health v. Governor (Oct 2020) that Whitmer lacked authority under 1945 Emergency Powers Act to extend emergency beyond April 2020 without legislative approval. All COVID EOs after April 30, 2020 invalidated. Pattern of legislating by executive order during COVID. Among most aggressive EO usage of any governor.
Midwest Institute of Health v. Governor, 506 Mich 344 (2020); MI Supreme Court
-3
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
MI Supreme Court struck down COVID emergency powers (Oct 2020) — Whitmer extended declarations beyond statutory limits without legislative approval. Court invalidated all post-April 2020 executive orders. Administration pivoted to DHHS orders under separate statute rather than relinquishing powers. Among strictest lockdowns nationally with outcomes at national average.
Midwest Institute v. Governor (2020); MI emergency statutes; court records
-3
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden during entire 7+ year tenure. Productive during both divided government (2019-22, negotiated auto insurance reform) and Dem trifecta (2023-24, major legislative agenda passed). ~1,600 bipartisan bills signed. Strong legislative cooperation overall.
MI Legislature veto records; NCSL
+2
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Judicial appointments rated qualified by MI State Bar. No appointees removed for cause or facing ethics charges. Followed standard appointment process. Clean record on judicial appointment quality.
MI State Bar; Judicial Tenure Commission; appointment records
+1
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Generally implemented enacted legislation. Auto insurance reform, gun safety package, clean energy mandate all implemented on schedule. However, FOIA reform passed by Senate (33-2) stalled — Whitmer did not push implementation. Right-to-work repeal effective Feb 2024. Some selective implementation priorities.
MI agency rulemaking; legislative oversight
0
Federal fund utilization — grant management
No federal program suspensions. $920M BEAD broadband grant (4th highest nationally) proceeding. IIJA funds deployed. However, UIA paid $8.5B in fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims — catastrophic federal fund management failure on unemployment programs. Clean on other programs but UIA failure is significant.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse; NTIA BEAD; DOL OIG
+1
Public approval as competence indicator
Morning Consult net approval +21 by 2025. Won 2022 reelection 54.5% (10.7-point margin). Ranked 24th most popular governor nationally. Approval improved over tenure. Strong public confidence.
Morning Consult; MI SOS 2022 results
+2
State IT security and data protection
UIA legacy IT system (COBOL-based) catastrophically failed during pandemic — could not handle claim surge, contributing to $8.5B fraud losses. Modernization underway post-crisis. SOS modernization successful (kiosks, online services). Major IT vulnerability exposed.
MI UIA; Auditor General; MI SOS modernization
-1
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
Strong infrastructure execution: 20,000+ lane miles, 1,400+ bridges, 118,000 construction jobs. Moody's upgraded MDOT bonds. $920M BEAD broadband proceeding. $21.3B EV/clean energy investment execution. ASCE grade for MI improving. Capital budget well-executed.
MI DOT; ASCE; Moody's; MEDC
+2
Disaster fund readiness
BSF at record $2.2B provides emergency cushion. FEMA cost-share obligations met for Midland County dam failure and COVID. However, Midland dam residents still awaiting full relief 5 years later. Adequate reserves but response/recovery execution mixed.
MI State Budget Office; FEMA PA records
+1
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
CATASTROPHIC. UIA paid $8.5B in fraudulent pandemic claims — $2.8B imposter fraud, $5.7B misrepresentation. Legacy COBOL system collapsed under 4M+ claims. State clawing back $2.7B from 350K people. UIA paid $55M settlement (April 2024) to wrongly clawed-back legitimate claimants. Among worst UI fraud losses in nation.
Deloitte UIA audit; DOL OIG; MI UIA; NPR Dec 2021
-3
Medicaid program integrity
Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid expansion) covers 700K+. Total Medicaid enrollment ~2.7M. No major CMS sanctions or compliance actions. Standard error rates. Budget within appropriation. Average program integrity.
CMS PERM data; MI DHHS Medicaid reports
0
Election administration — constitutional compliance
Michigan has photo ID recommended but not strictly required (affidavit alternative). Paper ballot audit trail. Post-election audits conducted. Automatic voter registration enacted. No voter ID mandate enacted despite constitutional compliance concerns. Standard election administration.
EAC EAVS; MI SOS; Verified Voting
0
Transparency — state budget accessibility
Budget documents published online including executive budget book, line-item detail, and Revenue Estimating Conference reports. House and Senate Fiscal Agencies publish independent analyses. data.michigan.gov portal maintained. Adequate but FOIA exemption for governor's office undermines full transparency.
MI State Budget Office; U.S. PIRG; GFOA
+1
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
Passive tolerance of 10 local sanctuary jurisdictions (Detroit, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County) that violate 8 USC §1373 and decline ICE detainers. No E-Verify mandate. Whitmer took no enforcement action against non-compliant localities despite having authority. Selective federal compliance — embraces federal funding but tolerates local immigration non-compliance.
8 USC §1373; ICE detainer data; FAIR; MI municipal policies
-1
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist confirmed and serving. COOP plan in place. Clear succession chain. Term-limited in 2026 — succession planning for post-Whitmer era underway with open primary. Standard continuity framework.
MI Constitution succession; FEMA COOP; Governor's Office
+1
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
Competitive bidding maintained through DTMB. $21.3B in EV incentives through MEDC competitive process. $203M ROBIN broadband grants competitively awarded. No major procurement scandals despite billions in new contracts. Clean procurement record. No-bid concerns minimal.
MI DTMB procurement; MEDC; state auditor
+1
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
Gas tax raised from 31 to 51 cents via HB4183. Net moderate increase for consumers.
michigan.gov/taxes; house.mi.gov
-1
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
Electricity 20.55 cents, above average. 100% clean by 2040 mandate. Rates increased 130% since 2006.
detroitnews.com; mackinac.org
-1
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
100% clean energy by 2040: 50% renewable by 2030. Bills could double by 2050.
mackinac.org; detroitnews.com
-2
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Property tax ~1.24%, above median. Recent years hit maximum cap.
turbotenant.com; crcmich.org
-1
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
Clean energy mandate creates compliance costs. Gas tax nearly doubled.
mackinac.org
-1
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
Clean energy mandates impose costs. Property tax limitations not effective.
crcmich.org; mackinac.org
-1
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Gas tax doubled. Electricity up 130%. Property above median. Clean energy projected increases.
mackinac.org; detroitnews.com
-1
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Created Newcomer Rental Subsidy ($500/month for immigrants). Sought refugee sponsors. Taxpayer-funded assistance.
gophouse.org; foxnews.com
-1
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
ARP funds for housing. No spending scandal. No outcome metrics identified.
michigan.gov/whitmer
0
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
No enforcement post-Grants Pass. Housing-first approach. No evidence of aggressive enforcement.
General research
-1
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
First positive domestic since 1990 (+1,796). Very small. Previous year -7,656.
michigan.gov/mcda; detroitnews.com
0
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
Tariffs impacting auto supply chains. Clean energy adds costs. Mixed business signals.
michigan.gov/whitmer; mackinac.org
-1
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
No specific action on rogue prosecutors. Created bipartisan task force.
michigan.gov/whitmer
0
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Vetoed voter ID. Mandated drop boxes. 9-day early voting. Auto registration. Non-citizen loophole confirmed.
michigan.gov/whitmer; bridgemi.com
-2
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No evidence of weaponizing agencies. Governed without major weaponization scandals.
nbcnews.com
0
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
Banned TikTok on state devices but continued personal use. No foreign land restrictions.
thecentersquare.com
-1
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