Mike Cox Responds to Whitmer’s State of the State: “More Government, Worse Results”

LANSING, MI — Following Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address, former Attorney General and Republican candidate for Governor Mike Cox released the following statement:

“Tonight, Governor Whitmer tried to convince Michiganders that big government under her leadership is working. But the facts tell a very different story.

Across the board, Michigan is falling behind, and working families are paying the price.”

The Economy: All Talk, No Results

Whitmer claims Michigan’s economy is strong. In reality, Michigan has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country and lost 19,000 jobs, the most of any state in the country, to begin 2026 while much of the nation continued to grow.

“Instead of reversing course, the Governor’s solution is more government spending, $3,000 per Michigander, while our state remains one of the top in the nation for outmigration,” Cox said. “That is not leadership. That is denial.”

Education: Record Spending, Rock Bottom Results

Despite $1 billion spent and wasted, Michigan has fallen from 35th to 48th in fourth-grade reading.

“Gretchen Whitmer measures success in education by dollars spent. As Governor, I will measure it by moving Michigan from the bottom 10 to one of the top 10 states for 4th grade reading.”

Public Safety and Immigration: Michiganders Last

As Attorney General, Cox helped ban driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants. As a homicide prosecutor, he spent 21 years prosecuting violent criminals. Under Whitmer, Detroit is one of the most violent cities in America, and liberal Mayors in Michigan cities welcome criminal illegal aliens while refusing to cooperate with federal law enforcement.   

“Illegal means illegal,” Cox said. “As Governor, I will clean up our cities and work with President Trump to deport every illegal immigrant in Michigan who is here unlawfully and put Michiganders first again.”

The Tax on Work: Whitmer Raised Taxes While the Country Moved On

Last year, Michigan was the only state in America to have an increase in the income tax rate.

“Let that sink in,” Cox said. “While prosperous states are cutting taxes and growing, Michigan went in the opposite direction.”

Cox was the first gubernatorial candidate who has pledged to eliminate Michigan’s income tax — the “tax on work” — and veto any future tax increases.

“States without a tax on work are growing, creating jobs, and keeping families. Michigan deserves that future, not Whitmer’s.”

Jobs and Right to Work: Ignoring the Evidence

Nine of the ten fastest-growing states either have Right to Work laws or no income tax.

“That is not a coincidence,” Cox said. “When Michigan had Right to Work, jobs grew and manufacturing rebounded. Governor Whitmer repealed it. I will restore it.”

A Clear Choice for 2026

“Tonight’s speech did not change the truth,” Cox concluded. “Under Governor Whitmer, Michigan has seen more government and worse results.

Next year, when I deliver the State of the State, we will be talking about solutions, accountability, stronger schools, safer communities, and how we Make Michigan Great Again.”