Detroit Regional Chamber > Media Coverage > Detroit Regional Chamber Endorses Whitmer in Governor’s Race

Detroit Regional Chamber Endorses Whitmer in Governor’s Race

October 3, 2022

Crain’s Detroit Business
Oct. 3, 2022
David Eggert

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer nabbed another endorsement from a business group Monday, this time from the Detroit Regional Chamber’s political action committee, which also supported her 2018 campaign.

The announcement from Michigan’s biggest local chamber of commerce came on the heels of other business organizations supporting the Democrat for re-election over Republican challenger Tudor Dixon.

“The Chamber PAC is proud to endorse Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for re-election. When we chose her in 2018, the challenges she would face could not have been anticipated,” said Brad Williams, the chamber’s vice president of government relations. “Beyond her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor’s leadership in the development of Michigan Reconnect, the creation of the Strategic and Attraction Reserve Fund to ensure Michigan’s competitiveness and the optimization of available funds to improve Michigan’s infrastructure support the decision to endorse her for a second term.”

The chamber in September hosted separate receptions at which both candidates addressed members including those on the board of directors.

On Friday, the Northern Michigan Policy Fund Traverse Connect PAC backed Whitmer — the first time it has endorsed in a gubernatorial race. It is tied to the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, a coalition of 16 chambers and economic development groups across northern Michigan.

On Sept. 23, Whitmer secured the endorsement of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. The last time it endorsed a Democrat for governor was 1990.

Dixon has won support from the National Federation of Independent Business and the Associated Builders and Contractors.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, which has long been a powerful influence in Republican politics, endorsed Dixon in the primary but notably has not yet issued an endorsement in the general election.

Some other business organizations have said they are remaining neutral, including the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Small Business Association of Michigan. They endorsed Republican Bill Schuette against Whitmer in 2018.

The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce’s PAC was expected to decide Monday whether to endorse a candidate or stay neutral.