The Democratic governor’s approval rating is the highest since the early phases of the pandemic, according to Impact Research polling.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer faced a fierce backlash for cozying up to Donald Trump in her effort to deliver for Michigan, but her gamble could be paying off. The Michigan Democrat is one of the many floated as a potential 2028 presidential contender who has had to grapple with how to navigate dealing with the president as part of their job.

"I think that people in the district are ready for it," Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said in an interview Tuesday.

The 2028 podcast primary is underway as Democrats try to reshape their image. In this photo, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer waits with Michigan National Guard adjutant general Major Gen. Paul Rogers to greet President Donald Trump at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Mich. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

Former Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), who ran against former President Biden for the Democratic nomination last year, said he urged Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to