Picture Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Every day Beast/Getty
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has gained one other time period in workplace defeating conservative media character Tudor Dixon within the extremely watched contest for Michigan’s gubernatorial seat.
Whitmer’s profile rose dramatically since 2020 when she emerged as probably the most COVID-careful governors within the nation, drawing ire and protests from conservatives in her state who opposed the extended lockdowns. Closely armed protestors at occasions overran the Michigan Capitol grounds in 2020 in demonstration towards Whitmer’s stay-at-home order. In October that 12 months, the FBI introduced that they had foiled a scheme to kidnap Whitmer hatched by greater than a dozen far-right militia members. A number of of the lads had been convicted of conspiring to kidnap the governor, amongst different fees, earlier this 12 months.
That stewing among the many proper in Michigan led to Dixon making a bid for the seat, believing Whitmer had misplaced contact with the state. The 2 ladies launched into what turned a bitter contest, typically at whole odds over key coverage points.
On reproductive rights, for one, Whitmer is hoping to protect abortion entry in Michigan, whereas Dixon had vowed to limit it whereas solely supporting exceptions in instances the place the lifetime of the mom was in danger. The 2 additionally sparred in debates on problems with the economic system and crime, drawing contrasts just like these seen in gubernatorial races all through the nation this cycle.
Polls constantly confirmed Whitmer with a lead—although Dixon ramped up her campaigning within the remaining weeks in a transparent effort to shut in on the governor.
Now in her second time period, Whitmer will likely be term-limited in 2026.