Gretchen Whitmer was born and raised in Michigan. She grew up in East Lansing and attended public schools in East Lansing and Grand Rapids, graduating from Forest Hills Central High School. She twice graduated from Michigan State University, earning both her undergraduate degree in Communications in 1993 and her law degree in 1998, graduating magna cum laude.

As an attorney in private practice, Gretchen practiced law with the firm Dickinson Wright in Lansing. She specialized in regulatory and administrative litigation, arguing in both Circuit Court and before the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Senator Whitmer was one of the co-chairs in the successful ballot initiative and ultimate passage of Proposal 2 to change Michigan law regarding embryonic stem cell research. As one of only two lawyers in the Democratic Caucus, Senator Whitmer has been a strong voice for changing Michigan’s one of a kind drug immunity law which prohibits recourse for consumers who are injured or have family members killed by a harmful drug. She is also a strong supporter of education, government reform, and anti-bullying legislation. Senator Whitmer also champions a number of consumer protection and consumer’s rights bills such as Elder Abuse legislation and protecting consumers from unfair bank overdraft fees.

Gretchen lives in East Lansing with her two daughters, Sherry (8), Sydney (7). In her spare time, she runs 5K races for charity and enjoys biking, MSU Spartan sports and exploring Michigan’s beautiful outdoors with her family.