By Nick Smith
Staff Writer
Posted: July 25, 2024 12:58 PM

WARREN – Governor Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president on Monday and told reporters she was not leaving Michigan when asked if she was interested in running as vice president.

When asked about the vice presidential speculation by Lansing's WLNS TV following a Monday morning event at the Capitol, Whitmer said: "No, I'm not going anywhere."

Less than 24 hours after President Joe Biden bowed to weeks of pressure to withdraw from the presidential race and back Harris to replace him atop the ticket, Whitmer has been one of several prominent Democrats who have been the focus of speculation on their interest in becoming Harris' running mate.

Michigan Governor Grethen Whitmer wasn't able to avoid Tim Skubick today who ran her down to answer questions about a possible Vice Presidential pick https://t.co/KOQAwRbPc9 pic.twitter.com/CdlNZIL7y0

— WLNS Newsroom (@WLNS) July 22, 2024

"I am not leaving Michigan," Whitmer told reporters Monday morning before heading to another event in Warren. "I'm proud to be the governor of Michigan, and I've been consistent. … I'm not going anywhere."

Still, Whitmer made similar comments when being considered as Biden's running mate in 2020 and ended up on the short list at the end. As a Midwest governor with national stature, Whitmer's name is still being floated among contenders to be Harris' running mate, but there is an expectation she will pick a male vice presidential candidate.

A large majority of Democrats have coalesced around Harris as the party's replacement nominee in the last 24 hours. In Michigan, the entire Democratic congressional delegation, except U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit, is backing Harris. The Michigan Democratic Party has also thrown its support behind Harris along with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

Whitmer was among them, formally announcing her endorsement of Harris in a statement through her Fight Like Hell PAC. She also announced she will serve as a co-chair of the Harris campaign.

"In Vice President Harris, Michigan voters have a presidential candidate they can count on to focus on lowering their costs, restoring their freedoms, bringing jobs and supply chains back home from overseas, and building an economy that works for working people," Whitmer said. "She's a former prosecutor, a champion for reproductive freedom, and I know that she's got Michigan's back."

Following weeks of division and infighting among Democrats after a poor debate performance centering on Biden's fitness for remaining atop the ticket, Biden suddenly bowed out Sunday afternoon, quickly saying Harris should step in.

This has led to speculation as to whether Whitmer, a national co-chair of the Biden-Harris campaign, would be open to joining the ticket.

Reporters seeking further remarks from Whitmer following her midday appearance at Macomb Community College in Warren for a jobs program announcement were ordered away from the governor's motorcade outside the venue. Reporters were told by Macomb Community College campus security officers they were inside a "security zone" and were ordered to move to a handicapped drivers' parking lot adjacent to where her motorcade was located.

Michigan Republicans were largely silent Monday following initial takes on Biden Sunday evening, scoffing at his decision and saying the Democrats are a completely divided mess, with some also demanding he be removed from office immediately.

Further coalescing of key Michigan Democrats around Harris atop the ticket continued Monday, with U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) telling reporters following the afternoon event in Warren he fully backed Harris and was confident of her chances in November.

"She's going to win. She's young. She's dynamic. She cares deeply about the future of the country, and as people get to know her better, they're going to be impressed," Peters said. "She just has to be present and come to Michigan. I'm confident she will. … I'm confident that she will win in Michigan, and when you win in Michigan, you're on your way to winning across the country. We're going to be the pivotal state in this election, but I'm confident that she will win."

When asked who he would like to see Harris pick as a running mate, Peters said it was far too early and the situation too fluid, adding he trusts that Harris would pick someone that would complement her well on the ticket. As to whether he had heard of any requests of Whitmer to join a ticket with Harris, Peters deferred to the governor.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II was among those who endorsed Harris Monday. He praised the vice president in a statement, while thanking Biden for his leadership and ultimate decision to make way for Harris.

"I am proud to Stand TALL for Vice President Kamala Harris to be our Democratic nominee and next president of the United States," Gilchrist said. "The energy and urgency she will bring to this race and her presidency are what we need to move forward. She knows that every American has the right to access a dream of health and wealth, and I will do everything in my power to help her win."

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes on Sunday in a statement also backed Harris, highlighting her resume as a former prosecutor and U.S. senator.

"She has never backed down from a fight. In a moment where our reproductive freedom and the very basis of our democracy are on the line, Vice President Harris will lead the Democratic Party to victory this November," Barnes said. "With a champion for Michiganders like Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket, I am confident that Michigan will once again deliver for Democrats up and down the ballot."

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) also backed Harris late Sunday night on X, formerly Twitter.

"There's so much at stake this November – so it's imperative that we be focused and united." Slotkin wrote. "Over the last four years, Vice President Harris has taken on Big Pharma, helped usher in a manufacturing renaissance in Michigan, and fought to protect our rights and our democracy. I support her, and her essential task of uniting the country."