Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she's focused on her current role and has not been involved in Vice President Kamala Harris' veepstakes.
Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has downplayed speculation about her being considered as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Whitmer, who is currently in her second term as governor, told CBS Mornings on Monday that she "has not been part of the vetting process so far."
Gretchen Whitmer: ‘I’m Not Part of the Process’ When Asked About VP Role
"Everything's truncated, and [Harris] is going to make that decision probably in the next six, seven days," Whitmer said. "I would imagine we'll know who her running mate is, and we'll get ready for convention."
Speculation about Whitmer as a potential running mate for Harris has been fueled by her Democratic credentials, experience as a former prosecutor, and outspoken support for reproductive rights. However, Whitmer has consistently stated that she is focused on her current role as governor and has no plans to leave it.
Gretchen Whitmer: ‘I’m Not Part of the Process’ When Asked About VP Role
Last week, Whitmer told reporters that she was "not interested in doing [anything] other than this job for the next two and a half years," as she signed Michigan's education budget.
Whitmer's political career took off in 2006 when she won a special election to the state senate, serving in that chamber until 2015, and becoming its first female Democratic leader from 2011 to 2015.
Gretchen Whitmer: ‘I’m Not Part of the Process’ When Asked About VP Role
During a debate on abortion in 2013, Whitmer garnered national attention for a speech on the Michigan state senate floor on abortion in which she shared her own experience with sexual assault.
For six months in 2016, she served as Ingham County's prosecutor. Two years later, she was elected governor, ousting state Attorney General and Republican nominee Bill Schuette.
Gretchen Whitmer: ‘I’m Not Part of the Process’ When Asked About VP Role
She secured her second term in 2022 against Dixon, a businesswoman and conservative political commentator.
In July 2022, Whitmer signed an executive directive to reduce crime and gun violence, saying that "as a former prosecutor, public safety [was] a top priority for [her]."
Gretchen Whitmer: ‘I’m Not Part of the Process’ When Asked About VP Role
If Whitmer were selected as Harris' running mate, both tickets would have a candidate who nearly fell victim to a plot against them. In October 2020, the FBI announced the arrest of 13 men for orchestrating a domestic terror plot to kidnap the Michigan governor, as well as other charges related to using violence to overthrow the state's government.
Harris' team has reportedly narrowed down its list of potential running mates to a few candidates, including Whitmer, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and California Rep. Ro Khanna.
Gretchen Whitmer: ‘I’m Not Part of the Process’ When Asked About VP Role
A decision is expected to be made in the coming days, ahead of the Democratic National Convention in July.
Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
