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Michigan's Former Governors Unite to Demand Political Civility

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 18:56 GMT by MLive
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Lansing, MI - February 4th, 2026 - In an unprecedented display of bipartisan cooperation, three former Michigan governors - Jennifer Granholm, Rick Snyder, and Gretchen Whitmer - have jointly called for a return to political civility as the state prepares for the critical 2026 midterm elections. The joint statement, released today, signals a growing alarm over the deepening political polarization gripping Michigan and the potential damage it poses to the state's future.

The call for unity comes at a pivotal moment. Michigan, a perennial swing state, is expected to be a key battleground in the 2026 midterms, with control of both the state legislature and potentially a crucial Congressional seat hanging in the balance. Recent election cycles have been marked by increasingly vitriolic campaigning, fueled by social media echo chambers and a national trend toward political tribalism. Many observers point to the lasting impacts of the 2024 Presidential election, and the lingering divisions it created, as a key contributor to this current climate.

"We believe that a healthy democracy requires robust debate, but it also demands respect, empathy, and a willingness to find common ground," the statement reads. "The current climate of animosity and division is not only detrimental to our state's progress but also deeply concerning for the future of our democratic institutions."

Granholm, a Democrat who served as governor from 2003 to 2011, oversaw the state through the Great Recession. Snyder, a Republican who followed her from 2011 to 2019, focused heavily on fiscal responsibility and infrastructure improvements, though his tenure was also marked by the Flint water crisis, a deeply divisive issue that continues to resonate with voters. Whitmer, also a Democrat, served from 2019-2026, navigating the state through the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing a period of robust economic growth alongside ongoing social and political tensions.

The remarkable aspect of this joint statement isn't simply that it was issued, but who issued it. These three individuals, representing different political ideologies and having led the state through markedly different periods, rarely, if ever, publicly aligned on political matters. Their willingness to set aside partisan differences speaks to the severity of the situation and the potential consequences of continued division.

"We may have different perspectives on how to best serve the people of Michigan," the statement continues, "but we are united in our belief that we can and must do better. We urge all citizens, political leaders, and media outlets to prioritize respectful dialogue, seek common ground, and engage in constructive problem-solving."

Experts suggest that the trend towards political incivility isn't limited to Michigan. Nationally, studies have shown a decline in trust in institutions, including government and the media, and an increase in affective polarization - the tendency to view those from opposing political parties not simply as having different opinions, but as fundamentally immoral or untrustworthy.

Dr. Eleanor Vance, a political science professor at the University of Michigan, commented on the statement, saying, "This is a powerful message coming from such respected figures. It's a reminder that despite our differences, we all share a common interest in the well-being of Michigan. The real challenge will be translating this sentiment into concrete action."

Several organizations are already planning initiatives to promote civil discourse in the lead-up to the elections. The Michigan League of Women Voters announced a series of town hall meetings designed to foster respectful conversations on key issues. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce pledged to encourage its members to engage in constructive dialogue with those who hold differing viewpoints.

The former governors' plea isn't simply a call for "niceness." It's a recognition that extreme polarization hinders effective governance, stifles innovation, and erodes public trust. It is a plea for functional democracy, where compromise and collaboration aren't seen as weakness, but as strengths. The success of these efforts remains to be seen, but the initiative from these former leaders offers a glimmer of hope that Michigan can navigate the turbulent waters of the 2026 midterms with a renewed commitment to civility and common purpose.