Press Article: Lessons from Michigan’s Governorship: A Call for Pragmatism from Massachusetts’ Maura Healey
In an era of escalating political divides, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey could take a page from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s playbook. Both are progressive Democrats yet their approaches to governance reveal contrasting strategies, particularly in light of former President Donald Trump’s resurgence.
Whitmer, who once sharply critiqued Trump, realized that prioritizing her constituents required a shift in her rhetoric. After Trump’s surprising victory in Michigan in 2024, she took steps to work collaboratively with his administration, emphasizing the needs of her state over partisan grievances. A significant moment came when Whitmer met Trump in the Oval Office to address crucial state issues, leading to the announcement of a new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base—securing 600 jobs and an $850 million economic boost.
The warm reception between Whitmer and Trump at the base exemplifies her commitment to putting her constituents first, despite backlash from left-wing factions. She maintained her values while pragmatically addressing the pressing needs of Michigan’s economy.
In stark contrast, Healey has ramped up her anti-Trump rhetoric, labeling the former president’s actions as harmful and unconstitutional. Instead of focusing on bipartisan solutions for Massachusetts, such as securing federal funds for critical infrastructure projects like the Cape Cod Bridges, Healey has chosen a more confrontational path, participating in public disparagements of Trump.
As the political landscape evolves, Healey may benefit from adopting Whitmer’s pragmatic approach: prioritizing public service over partisan loyalties to effectively serve the citizens of Massachusetts. The lesson is clear: working with opposing parties can lead to significant benefits for constituents, regardless of personal feelings towards political figures.
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