Vice President Kamala Harris' list of potential running mates reportedly includes Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has been described as having a moderate stance on law enforcement issues. Whitmer, currently serving her second term as governor, is being considered for her legal background and experience.
Crime has been a significant concern in parts of Michigan, with Detroit recently being named one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. Whitmer has faced criticism for her involvement in a program aiding migrants, especially after an illegal immigrant was charged with a serious crime in Grand Rapids.
Republican Tudor Dixon, who ran against Whitmer in 2022, accused her of supporting Joe Biden's open border policies by providing financial assistance to unvetted illegal immigrants, potentially jeopardizing community safety.
Mike Sauger, president of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, acknowledged Whitmer's positive initiatives towards officer wellness funding and police recruit funding. However, he noted that Whitmer has maintained a middle-of-the-road approach on law enforcement matters, without taking a clear stance on critical issues affecting police recruitment and retention.
Whitmer's position as a potential running mate for Harris remains uncertain, as she mentioned not being part of the vetting process yet. She expressed her commitment to serving as Michigan's governor until 2026, despite speculation about a possible vice-presidential candidacy.
Whitmer's political career began in 2006 when she won a special election to the state senate. She later became the first female Democratic leader in the chamber from 2011 to 2015. Her tenure as governor started in 2018 after defeating the Republican nominee in the election.
In July 2022, Whitmer signed an executive directive aimed at reducing crime and gun violence, emphasizing public safety as a top priority. She highlighted the need to address both issues simultaneously and allocated resources to law enforcement in the state budget.
If selected as Harris' running mate, both candidates would have experienced threats against them. In 2020, the FBI arrested individuals involved in a plot to kidnap Whitmer, underscoring the challenges faced by political figures in ensuring their safety.
