When you think about Michigan governors, you might assume most of them were born and raised in the Great Lakes State. But here’s a fun and surprising fact: nearly 70% of Michigan’s governors were actually born outside of Michigan, and a handful weren’t even born in the United States. Yep, Michigan’s leadership has a fascinatingly diverse set of origins.
Let’s dive into some interesting history, shall we?
A Look Back: The Origins of Michigan Governors
Since Michigan became a state in 1837, it has had 47 different governors. Wait — 49 terms, but only 47 individuals? Here’s the kicker: two governors actually served non-consecutive terms. For example, John Barry, a Democrat originally from New Hampshire, was both the 4th and 8th governor. Frank Fitzgerald, a Republican born right in Michigan’s own Grand Ledge, was the 34th and 36th governor. So that’s why the current governor, Gretchen Whitmer, is technically Michigan’s 49th governor, even though the state has had 47 unique ones.
The Michigan-Born Minority
Only 14 governors since 1835 have actually been born in Michigan — that’s less than 30%. But don’t let that make you think Michiganders aren’t making headway. Michigan-born governors have been trending upward in recent years. Back in the early days, Michigan was still very much a frontier state, attracting leaders from all over the U.S. In fact, Michigan’s first 17 governors were all born somewhere else.
The first governor born in Michigan was David Jerome, a Republican and Saginaw lumber baron who served in 1881 and 1882. Fast forward to more recent times: of the last 17 governors, 11 (or roughly 65%) were Michigan natives. That’s a strong sign of homegrown leadership becoming more common.
International Origins — Yes, Really!
Michigan’s gubernatorial story doesn’t stop at U.S. borders. Four governors were born outside the country:
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Fred Warner (Republican, 1905–1910) was born in England.
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John Swainson (Democrat, 1961–1962) hailed from Canada.
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George Romney (Republican, 1963–1969), who some might recognize as Mitt Romney’s dad, was born in Mexico.
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And Jennifer Granholm (Democrat, 2003–2010), the most recent governor not born in Michigan, was also born in Canada.
This international variety gives Michigan an even richer political heritage than you might expect.
New York: The Most Common Out-of-State Birthplace
If you think about where these out-of-state governors originated, New York tops the list. A total of twelve Michigan governors were born in the Empire State, with Ferris Woodbridge, a Democrat from the early 1900s, being the latest New York-born governor (1913–1916).
Other states that contributed governors include Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. For instance, Kim Sigler, a Democrat born in Nebraska, governed Michigan in 1947–1948 and was the most recent governor born outside Michigan but still within the U.S.
Detroit: The City of Birth for Michigan Natives
Among those Michigan-born governors, Detroit stands out as the birthplace for three of them:
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David Jerome, the pioneering Michigan-born governor from the 1880s.
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G. Mennen Williams, a Democrat who led Michigan from 1949 through 1960 and was known for his progressive policies and support for civil rights.
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James Blanchard, a Democrat who governed during the 1980s, a time of economic challenges and recovery efforts.
Rules for Running the Show
Michigan’s 1963 constitution introduced clear guidelines for who can run for governor. You have to be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a Michigan resident registered to vote in the state for at least four years before the election. Before 1963, the rules were a bit different, but this modern framework helps ensure candidates have a real connection to Michigan.
Current Leadership: Governor Gretchen Whitmer
The current governor, Gretchen Whitmer, is a true Michigander. Born in Lansing and raised partly in Grand Rapids, she embodies the trend of homegrown governors. Whitmer has become a household name, especially for her leadership through recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why Does This Matter?
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Diverse Backgrounds: The variety of birthplaces among Michigan’s governors reflects the state’s rich migration history. People came from all over to build their futures here, and many ended up leading the state.
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Increasing Michigan Natives: The rise in Michigan-born governors in recent decades suggests a growing pride and investment in local leadership.
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International Roots: Having governors born outside the U.S. adds a layer of global connection to Michigan’s political landscape.
Quick Recap: Key Points to Remember
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Michigan has had 47 governors over 49 terms.
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Less than 30% of those governors were born in Michigan.
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The first Michigan-born governor took office in 1881.
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Four governors were born outside the U.S. (England, Canada, Mexico).
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New York is the most common out-of-state birthplace for Michigan governors.
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Detroit is the most common birthplace among Michigan-born governors.
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Current governor Gretchen Whitmer was born in Lansing and raised partly in Grand Rapids.
Michigan’s gubernatorial history is a tapestry woven with threads from many places and stories. It shows how this state, known for its auto industry, Great Lakes, and resilient people, has also been shaped by leaders from near and far — all working to guide Michigan through its unique challenges and triumphs.
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