MACINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WZMQ) – To wrap up the final day of the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final keynote address as governor, using the speech to reflect on her administration’s bipartisan accomplishments while urging Michiganders to reject political division and choose Michigan.
Rolling out new plans to end her time in office, the governor announced the creation of an “Every Child Reads Champions Council,” a coalition of leaders from education, business, philanthropy, and government aimed at continuing literacy initiatives beyond her administration.
Whitmer framed the address around collaboration, repeatedly pointing to her record of working across the aisle during divided government.
“Since day one, I’ve been laser focused on working with anyone to make a difference in Michiganders’ lives,” Whitmer said. “That approach has helped us get a lot done in Michigan.”
The governor highlighted nearly 1,600 bipartisan bills signed into law during her administration, along with seven bipartisan state budgets. She pointed to infrastructure investments, manufacturing growth, education spending, and efforts to lower costs for families as some of the administration’s signature accomplishments.
Whitmer revisited her longtime “fix the damn roads” message, saying Michigan will have repaired more than 26,000 lane miles of road and nearly 2,000 bridges by the time she leaves office. She also praised lawmakers for approving what she called the largest roads funding deal in state history last year.
The governor also emphasized economic development projects secured during her administration, including battery and manufacturing investments in Marshall and Delta Township, as well as a new fighter mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
“Last year, after decades of attempts and failure by Michigan leaders, I worked with the Trump Administration, and we won a new F15-EX fighter mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base,” Whitmer said. “Yesterday, I signed a bipartisan bill to prepare Selfridge for the fighter mission by 2028. Our collaboration on Selfridge is proof that we can disagree, vehemently at times, and still find common ground if we try.”
Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation Wednesday allocating $152 million for runway and infrastructure upgrades at Selfridge ahead of the incoming mission.
Throughout the speech, Whitmer warned about rising political polarization, saying partisan rhetoric and distrust are making it harder for government to function effectively.
“We have serious challenges as a nation and a state,” Whitmer said. “If we can’t talk to one another and debate ideas without violence, how can we move forward?”
Looking ahead to the remainder of her term, Whitmer said she wants lawmakers to complete a balanced budget before July 1 and continue work on housing affordability, economic competitiveness, and literacy initiatives.
Whitmer’s speech comes during the final months of her second and final term in office. She is term-limited and will leave office in January 2027.
Following the keynote, Whitmer also addressed continued speculation about her political future, confirming she has not ruled out running for president after leaving office. However, the governor said her current focus remains on finishing her term and completing work already underway in Michigan.
“This year, and every year, let’s choose Michigan and choose each other,” Whitmer said in closing. “Let’s work together. Let’s build a Michigan for all.”
