Michigan Gov. Whitmer reacts to Trump election victory

(CBS DETROIT) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, one of a number of Democratic Party names involved in Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, says “the American people have spoken” after Donald Trump’s projected win in the 2024 presidential election. 
Trump, who was first elected in 2016 and lost in 2020, is projected to win Michigan and other key battleground states, including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Georgia. As of midday Wednesday, a winner has not been projected yet in Arizona or Nevada. 
In a statement released on Wednesday by the governor’s office, Whitmer said she hoped Trump would lead “by trying to unite people, including those who did not vote for him or do not support him.” 
“As governor of the great state of Michigan, my job remains the same no matter who is in the White House,” Whitmer said, also acknowledging Harris’ campaign run. 
Whitmer, who is finishing out her second term in office, has been at odds with Trump in the past, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their complex relationship included Trump calling Whitmer “That Woman from Michigan.” Whitmer poked fun at the comment during her Democratic National Convention speech in August, calling Trump “That man from Mar-a-Lago.” 
The Michigan governor was initially considered a potential running mate in the Harris campaign but repeatedly said she would remain the governor of Michigan and was focused on trying to get the vice president elected. 
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist released a statement on Wednesday, saying in part: 
“Through a safe, secure election, Michiganders have made their voices heard. My best wishes to President-elect Trump, and my thanks to Vice President Kamala Harris for running an incredible campaign. I am also proud of the movement we built through Democratic campaigns up and down the ballot that is committed to making a difference and delivering real change for Michigan families.”