Michigan Governor Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer started her second term Sunday calling for state leaders to “come together to get things done”, including reducing gun violence and investing in education.

Whitmer, a Democrat, was a former East Lansing state lawmaker who took the oath outside of the Michigan Capitol. The inauguration ceremony marked a significant change in state government, with Democrats taking control for the first time since 1940.

Joe Tate (D-Detroit) was the new House Speaker. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), is the new Senate Majority Leader. Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson were also present at Sunday’s ceremony. These three Democrats were reelected on November 8.

She said, “My fellow Michiganders. I am honored that your trust in me has been placed to continue leading this beautiful state.” “I will be a governor to all Michiganders, and I will work with everyone who wants to solve problems or get things done.”

Whitmer won a second term in office as governor after defeating Republican Tudor Dixon by approximately 11 percentage points. Whitmer was administered the oath by Kyra Harris Bolden, a new Michigan Supreme Court Justice.

The official inauguration began at 10:30 am in downtown Lansing. Before the festivities started, it stopped raining.

Whitmer shared her excitement with the crowd of approximately 1,000 people that she was eager to get to work. Whitmer stated that she wants to “focus on fundamentals, work together, and get things done.”

She identified policy priorities, including combating climate change, continued record investments in education and reducing seniors’ taxes.

Whitmer stated that she would like laws to require background checks on gun purchases and safe storage of firearms in an interview following the speech.

“Gun violence has been ranked No. Whitmer stated that gun violence is the No. 1 killer of American children and only in America. There are ways to make our communities and schools safer.

Matt Hall, R-Comstock Township’s new House Minority Leader, was one of a few Republicans who were there Sunday to support Matt Hall’s assertion that the state should remain focused on the growth of the economy.

Hall stated, “We can work together there.” “If we continue to follow the path of some of these more divisive and social policies, then it will be harder.”

If Democrats are able to hold the Legislature’s slim majority together, Whitmer’s party will win on Nov. 8.

The governor previously pledged to use her second term in order to seek tax relief, strengthen infrastructure, and secure the future for the auto industry.

To begin the 2023-2024 term, 20 of the 38 Senate seats will be held by Democrats and 56 of 110 House seats will be held by Republicans.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Benson, Nessel, and members of Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Court of Appeals, State Board of Education, University of Michigan Board of Regents, Michigan State University Board of Trustees, and Wayne State Board of Governors were also elected during the New Year’s Day ceremony.

Whitmer called for cooperation and compromise among Michigan officials during Whitmer’s inauguration ceremony, Jan. 1, 2019.