Gov. Whitmer gives a wink during Washington speech: ‘See you in 2029′

WASHINGTON — During a speech Saturday night in front of hundreds of politicians and Washington media members, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hinted (jokingly?) at a possible stop in Washington in the coming years. Whitmer was one of a handful of speakers at the annual Gridiron Club and Foundation dinner where she poked fun at herself and other politicians while also speaking about the seriousness of the upcoming elections and other topics, according to the Washington Post.

With President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the room, Whitmer concluded her speech with a very simple and not-too-subtle closing line, punctuated by a wink:

“See you in 2029,” Whitmer said.

The line is clearly in reference to ongoing rumors that Whitmer could be in play as a Democratic presidential candidate in the 2028 election. Whitmer was reelected as governor in 2022, but cannot run again, leaving many to speculate that once she leaves Lansing in 2026, a run at national politics is possible.

After winning reelection, Whitmer was rumored to be a possible presidential candidate in 2024, but said she would not consider running while still serving as governor in Michigan. Whitmer was also a contender to be named Biden’s vice presidential nominee ahead of the 2020 election, but even then Whitmer was reportedly hesitant to jump into consideration.

On Saturday however, Whitmer appeared to embrace the rumors and leaned into them with several prominent politicians listening.

Along with hinting at a presidential run, Whitmer’s speech included zingers about fellow Democrats — and possible opponents in 2028 — governors Gavin Newsom and J.B. Pritzker, of California and Illinois, respectively.