Lansing, MI – On Jan 1st, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II took the oath of office for their second terms as Michigan's 49th governor and 64th lieutenant governor. The ceremony took place on the steps of the Michigan Capitol. They were joined by Attorney General Dana Nessel, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Michigan Supreme Court Justices.  

“For the next four years, our task is clear: focus on the fundamentals, work together, and get things done,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, we can make Michigan a place where all people can envision a great future, no matter who they are, where they come from, or how much money they have in their pocket. I am more confident than ever that our future is bright because of you, my fellow Michiganders. We are tough and we never shy away from hard work. We’re competitive. Even if you count us out, look down on us, or fly over us, I promise you: we will defy your expectations. Our message is simple: If you have big dreams and want to get things done, your future is in Michigan. I am so excited to get to work.” 

“On a day of reflection and recommitment, let us come together to recognize the once-in-a-generation opportunity we have to make things happen across Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “We can go further, deliver more, and make life easier for those struggling to get by. We can demonstrate how public servants can create conditions for prosperity and equity in every community, and how much more we can do when we do it together. Let us widen the rivers of opportunity for Michiganders today and tomorrow – helping people in every community on both peninsulas stand strong, proud, and tall as their best selves. Let’s get it done for every Michigander.” 

During her inaugural address, Governor Whitmer shared her vision for Michigan over the next four years. She emphasized her goal of providing good-paying jobs for Michiganders by bringing supply chains home and lowering costs, so Michiganders can keep more of what they earn. She continued her focus of making record investments in education, from preschool to postsecondary, and lowering the cost of higher education and skills training. The governor also spoke about protecting access to fundamental rights and ensuring Michiganders can make decisions that are best for themselves and their families.  

Attorney General Dana Nessel, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Supreme Court Justices Richard Bernstein, Kyra Harris Bolden, and Brian Zahra were sworn in at the ceremony.

“It is a privilege and honor to have the opportunity to serve the good people of the great state of Michigan for another four years,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I look forward to continuing the many initiatives and ground-breaking cases started by the department in my first term and working to discover new and innovative ways to provide justice and equal protection under the law to as many Michiganders as possible in the next term." 

“I stand before you on Jan 1st, with the firm belief that every citizen deserves to live in a state where their voices are heard and where truth prevails,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Where government works for everyone and where we work together – as Democrats, Republicans and Independents – to ensure our state is safe, strong, and free. That’s who we are as Michiganders and as Americans.” 

Michigan Court of Appeals Judges, Michigan State University Board of Trustees, Wayne State University Board of Governors, and Michigan State Board of Education members also took their oaths of office on Jan 1, 2023.