| Gretchen Whitmer Democratic · Exploring | vs | Gavin Newsom Democratic · Declared |
|---|---|---|
| 14.2% | Polling avg | 26.4% |
| +2.8 | 30-day change | +1.2 |
| +450 | Market line | +120 |
| $14.9M | Q2 raised | $38.7M |
| $18.3M | Cash on hand | $52.1M |
| 51% | Small dollar | 44% |
| 17% | Iowa | 22% |
| 15% | New Hampshire | 27% |
| 11% | South Carolina | 24% |
| 33 | Early-state staff | 73 |
| 9 | Field offices | 19 |
| Michigan | Home state | California |
| 56 | Age | 60 |
Gretchen Whitmer in Brief
Michigan's term-limited governor is the field's clearest Midwestern general-election argument, with a labor-aligned coalition and the fastest momentum of any Democrat currently in the top tier.
Case for: Fastest polling gain in the field, deep UAW and building-trades relationships, and a blue-wall electability pitch that tests well with primary voters.
Case against: A late start leaves her cash on hand well behind the declared frontrunners, and her national name recognition still trails.
Full Gretchen Whitmer tracker →Gavin Newsom in Brief
California's governor has spent the last two cycles building a national fundraising operation and a televised debate persona, and now converts that infrastructure into the best-funded Democratic campaign in the field.
Case for: Unmatched fundraising velocity, a disciplined national media strategy, and early organizational buildout across all four carve-out states.
Case against: California's record on cost of living and public safety gives rivals a ready-made contrast in Midwestern general-election battlegrounds.
Full Gavin Newsom tracker →