Gretchen Whitmer
The UAW backed another Democrat in the April nomination contest.
There are record numbers of women running for the U.S. House and governor seats as major party nominees this year.
Democrats are optimistic about their chances of retaking the governor’s mansion.
Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell is among those backing someone else in her party's gubernatorial race.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Former lawmaker Gretchen Whitmer made a name for herself with a couple memorable appeals for women’s rights.