DETROIT – Michigan gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer now has endorsements from Wayne County's leaders.
County Executive Warren Evans, Prosecutor Kym Worthy, and Sheriff Benny Napoleon have endorsed the Democratic candidate for Michigan governor. In their endorsement, the trio points to Whitmer's past leadership roles as Ingham County prosecutor and Senate Democratic Leader.
Recommended Videos
"Michigan needs a leader who knows the pulse of each of its communities, a leader who is working with us on the issues that matter on the ground and that impact lives every single day,” said Evans. "Gretchen Whitmer is committed to partnering with local leadership to ensure our priorities are reflected in an inclusive state agenda and strategy for moving Michigan forward."
Worthy said as a prosecutor Whitmer brought in tougher ethics standards, restored public faith in the office, implemented a new domestic violence unit, and reformed how the system treated non-violent first time offenders to offer them help and rehabilitation instead of sending them to jail.
"As a fellow prosecutor, I know that Gretchen isn’t afraid to hold the people in power accountable, because she’s been doing it for a long time,” said Worthy. “Experience matters, and I know that as Governor, Gretchen will step up and challenge both parties to do what’s right -- because I’ve never seen her back down from a tough fight. I’m proud to endorse Gretchen because she’ll work to ensure our Michigan is inclusive, representative of our people, and accountable to all."
Napoleon described Whitmer as "a leader who will work with everyone who wants to solve problems, and take on anyone who wants to stand in our way."
"Gretchen understands that Lansing has to listen, and should not dictate to the rest of the state, because we’re tired of Wayne County and Detroit being forgotten, and we know that Gretchen will step up for us,” said Napoleon. “There is no question that Gretchen is our strongest candidate for Governor because she has both passion, compassion, and the experience to actually get things done for our children, our communities, and our schools."
VIEW: Gretchen Whitmer on the issues
Former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard also endorses Whitmer for governor
Former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard endorsed Whitmer in a letter to thousands of activists in September, saying she would get results while bringing "new energy and new spirit" to the job. He credited her for helping expand Medicaid coverage to 640,000 residents.
"If we are ever to rebuild the Michigan we so believe in, we must start now, and we must start with Gretchen Whitmer," Blanchard said in a statement. "She is prepared to fight, prepared to win, and prepared to govern, and she will provide new leadership to protect and create good jobs and wages, rebuild our infrastructure, strengthen our education system, and hold government accountable."
Whitmer first to announce run
Whitmer filed her paperwork to run for governor in January. She was the first person to announce her candidacy for the open seat. Second-term Republican Gov. Rick Snyder can't run again due to term limits.
Whitmer, who lives in East Lansing and is 45 years old, was a lawmaker from 2001 through 2014. Most recently, she served as Ingham County's interim prosecutor.
List of Michigan gubernatorial candidates
Other Democratic candidates are political newcomers: Ex-Detroit health director Abdul El-Sayed, entrepreneur Shri Thanedar and former business executive Bill Cobbs.
The 2018 election takes place Nov. 6, 2018.
VIEW: A running list of who's running for Michigan governor in 2018