Updates About Governor

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has launched the first round of Michigan’s medical debt relief program, wiping out more than $144 million in medical debt for nearly 210,000 residents. The effort, in partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, is partially funded by a $4.5 million allocation in the state’s 2024 budget. It targets individuals with incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level or whose medical debt exceeds 5% of their annual income. No application is required and eligible recipients will be notified by mail.

This statewide initiative builds on earlier localized efforts in Wayne, Oakland, and Kalamazoo counties and reflects the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s broader commitment to reducing the financial strain of healthcare. State officials cited rising medical costs and recent cuts to Medicaid as key motivators behind the program. The first round of relief prioritized some of the hardest-hit counties, including Macomb, Kent, Genesee, and Ingham. The debt forgiveness program complements the administration’s broader strategy to lower costs for Michigan families, alongside initiatives such as tax relief, expanded early childhood education, and improved access to affordable insurance. Additional rounds of debt forgiveness are expected in the months ahead.

Former House Speaker Tom Leonard (R-DeWitt) has announced his candidacy for Michigan governor in 2026, marking his third run for statewide office. Leonard, who served in the House from 2013 to 2018 and was Speaker in his final term, previously came up short in attorney general races in 2018 and 2022.

His campaign will focus on improving third-grade reading scores, expanding mental health care access, and increasing government transparency by applying FOIA rules to the executive branch. Leonard also supports lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and reinstating the Right-to-Work law. He currently leads the government relations practice at Plunkett Cooney law firm.

Leonard joins a crowded GOP primary field alongside U.S. Rep. John James, former Attorney General Mike Cox, and current Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township). The Democratic field includes Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, and Marni Sawicki, with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan running as an independent.

More information on the ever-changing 2026 election is covered here.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently delivered her latest “Road Ahead” address in Flint, where she outlined a bold plan to position Michigan as a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing. With the critical role that chips play in everything from smartphones to national defense systems, this industry offers a long-term source of stability for Michigan’s economy.

Components of her plan include securing a semiconductor fabrication facility, commonly referred to as a “fab,” by the end of her term, and investing in skilled, lucrative jobs for Michiganders. Through these efforts, she hopes to attract other large manufacturing projects and eventually establish a complete semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem within the state. With existing investments from companies like SK Siltron and Hemlock Semiconductor already contributing to the state’s chip supply chain, the Governor sees a unique opportunity for Michigan to become a central hub in this high-tech sector.