Whitmer congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden on victory

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a news conference on Nov. 5, 2020.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a news conference on Nov. 5, 2020. Photo credit State of Michigan

(WWJ) Governor Gretchen Whitmer is congratulating President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on their victory.

“I look forward to working with both of them as we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19, work to rebuild our economy, and save lives. Now, with the election behind us, it is time for the American people to unite against our common enemy: COVID-19,” Whitmer said in a statement.

She made the statement in a moment where COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths across Michigan are climbing.

“It is all of our responsibility to do everything in our power to protect our families, frontline workers, and small businesses," she said.

Whitmer made a final plea to people in all levels of government: “To our newly elected leaders, from the White House down to the Michigan State Legislature, let’s roll up our sleeves, work together, and beat this virus once and for all.”

At one point, Whitmer was on Biden’s shortlist for Vice President.

Read Governor Gretchen Whitmer's full statement below:

“I want to congratulate President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on their hard-fought win in this election. I look forward to working with both of them as we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19, work to rebuild our economy, and save lives. Now, with the election behind us, it is time for the American people to unite against our common enemy: COVID-19. This virus has ravaged our country, infecting over 200,000 Michiganders and killing over 7,500. Our hospitalizations and deaths are on the rise, and we are recording a record number of cases each day in Michigan and across the country. It is all of our responsibility to do everything in our power to protect our families, frontline workers, and small businesses. To the people of Michigan: I urge you to wear a mask, maintain safe physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and get your flu vaccine. To our newly elected leaders, from the White House down to the Michigan State Legislature, let’s roll up our sleeves, work together, and beat this virus once and for all.”

Featured Image Photo Credit: State of Michigan