DETROIT (WWJ) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will serve a second term after beating out Republican challenger Tudor Dixon, according to the Associated Press.
The AP called the gubernatorial race just before 1:30 a.m., shortly after Whitmer delivered a speech at her Election Night party downtown Detroit at the Motor City Casino's Sound Board.
While all votes have not been counted, Whitmer held a 5% lead over Dixon shortly before 2 a.m., according to the AP.
"We are feeling damn good about where we are headed," Whitmer said during her speech. "And the prospect of leading this state for four more years is something we are incredibly grateful and excited about."
A main focus of Whitmer’s second campaign has been abortion rights, which were also at the forefront for voters, deciding on a ballot initiative to enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution. Backers of the initiative declared victory late Tuesday night.
Whitmer had told voters throughout her campaign that women’s “fundamental rights” were at risk in the election after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade earlier this year.
She called Dixon’s views on abortion “too extreme” multiple times throughout the campaign, noting the challenger opposes abortion without exceptions for rape or incest.
Dixon, a businesswoman and former TV personality hailing from West Michigan, had gained large support from the Republican party with her staunch opposition of Whitmer’s policies on COVID-19 and abortion, as well as for her skepticism of the 2020 Presidential Election results and support of former President Donald Trump.
Dixon received strong backing from former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and her family, long known for their wealth and political power in Michigan.
During her party downtown Grand Rapids Tuesday night, Dixon wasn't quite ready to concede. She spoke briefly, saying the race would be "too close to call" and it would be a long night waiting on official results.
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