Updates About Governor

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Patti Tremblay to the Ingham Circuit Court, filling the vacancy left by former Judge Joyce Draganchuk’s resignation. Tremblay is currently serving as the governor’s director of legislative affairs, but has previously held the role of chief legal counsel to House Democrats and other positions within the governor’s office. She will serve until January 1, 2027, and must run for election in 2026 to retain the seat.

Filling Tremblay’s vacancy will be Kara Cook, who previously served as the state’s chief climate and energy strategist. Other staffing changes to the Executive Office (EOG) include Zoe Ahlstrom’s promotion to policy director (previously the EOG’s deputy policy director), and Emma Young’s promotion to education policy advisor (previously a policy analyst for the EOG).

Governor Whitmer has announced appointments to several Michigan boards and commissions. Among the list of changes are the following new and returning appointees:

• Health Information Technology Commission: Janée Tyus (succeeds Renee Smiddy)
• Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services: Laurie Penfold (succeeds Karen Schulz)
• Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect: Claudnyse Holloman (reappointed)
• Michigan Board Optometry: Dr. Paul Hodge (succeeds Lisa Webb Sharpe)
• Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing: Miriam Andare Cuevas (reappointed), Myles Hudkins (succeeds Leslie Pertz)
• Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council: Iris Mehler (reappointed), Alexandra Hayes (succeeds Angel Irvin), Colleen Sullivan (succeeds Elizabeth Kohler), Jason Reaves (reappointed), Ray Schuholz (reappointed), Sheryl Stumbaugh (reappointed), and Nicholas Gable (succeeds Mark McWilliams)

For a complete list of the governor’s board and commission additions, click HERE.

Earlier 2025 appointments can also be viewed in GOVERNOR WHITMER’S LATEST APPOINTMENTS.

Senate Democrats have filed a lawsuit in the Court of Claims against House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township), alleging that he is unconstitutionally withholding nine bills passed in the 2023-2024 session from being presented to Governor Whitmer for signature.

Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) announced the lawsuit, emphasizing that legislative leadership cannot override constitutional requirements. The bills in question cover various issues, including increasing public employer contributions to employee health insurance, allowing Detroit history museums to seek a property tax millage, adjusting corrections officers’ pensions, and protecting certain public benefits from debt garnishment.

Hall’s office has cited legal and technical concerns as the reason for the delay, but Democrats argue that the governor has the sole authority to review legislation once passed.