Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wins 2nd term

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has won a second four-year term.

She defeated Republican challenger Tudor Dixon Tuesday in a campaign that focused on their opposing views on abortion.

Whitmer is a former legislative leader who helped Democrats regain control of the state’s top office in 2018 after eight years of Republican leadership. She fought off a late push from Dixon, who had never held elected office.

Whitmer made abortion a key issue in her campaign, highlighting efforts to keep the procedure legal in Michigan after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Whitmer said the prospect of leading the state for four more years is a privilege that she is incredibly grateful and excited about.

“Holding this office has been the honor of my life, and I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity for the last four years,” Whitmer said. “This victory reminds us all that our governor’s office does not belong to any person or political party. It belongs to all of us, the people of Michigan. So, no matter why you went to the polls or who you voted for, thank you for participating in our democracy.”

In her second term, she has said she will continue working to build back the state’s economy that was hit hard by pandemic lockdowns.

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