LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer was sworn in on January 1st, 2023, for a second term as Michigan's 49th governor.
The ceremony took place outside the Capitol Building, where Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Attorney General Dana Nessel, among other elected officials, took their oaths.
Michiganders attending the oath ceremony say they are excited for the administration.
"I think the big thing we are looking for, we're part of the LGBT community and the support and everything they do," said Jennifer Shorkey.
"Focus on making education more available for everybody from pre-school all the way up to college," said Jodi Johnson.
"To see the transfer of the state to blue power," said Tim Dowd.
Tim Dowd, 69, drove from Traverse City to witness Democrats taking charge of Michigan's House, Senate, and the Governor's office for the first time in nearly 40 years.
"I don't think the Governor will have to use the veto power as much as she did with the Republican legislature," said Dowd.
Governor Whitmer's message was simple: let's work together and continue to move Michigan forward.
"I am honored that you have put your trust in me to continue leading our beautiful state. I will be Governor for all Michiganders, and I will work with anyone who wants to solve problems and get things done," said Governor Whitmer.
During our sit down interview, Lt. Governor Gilchrist says the legislative support only means the administration can be more responsive.
"No path worth traveling is ever easy. But what's important is that we are going to make sure that we are going to work hard, we are going to be committed, we are going to be good listeners and great collaborators. We are looking forward to working with the Republican minority in both chambers and letting them know they have a seat at our table of negotiation and decision-making as well," said Lt. Governor Gilchrist.
Lt. Governor says the vision is to enhance education across Michigan, make a well-connected state with high-speed internet, tackle gun safety reforms, implement policy to help ease inflation, create job opportunities, and improve the economy, among others.
"Coming out of the gate, we are going to work immediately on working family tax credit and ending the pension tax. Those are the first things we are going to work on to get done. So I think the people should expect to see that in the early part of this year," said Lt. Governor Gilchrist.
Watch Whitmer's full speech in the video player above.
