• Senator Gretchen Whitmer of the 23rd District

LANSING - After serving 14 years, the time has come for Senator Gretchen Whitmer to leave office.

Her journey began in 2000, when she first decided to run for Senate.

"When I first ran for office, I looked at the field of candidates, and have always been raised to care about who is our voice," Whitmer said. "I looked around and thought you know what, maybe there is an opportunity that I can be that voice."

During her time, Whitmer served with three different Governors, and held responsibilities as a counterpoint to the Governor and the speaker of the Majority Leader in the Senate.

Among her favorite memories was the hosting of the Vagina Monologues on the Capitol steps.

Now, leaving office Whitmer plans to take the time to spend with family.

"My girls are ten and twelve," Whitmer said. "I think after 14 years I think it's time for a little breather and help my girls in their middle school years and be on hand."

During her time in office, Whitmer left an impression on people she worked closely with.

"It's been a remarkable opportunity to work with her," Communications Director for the Michigan Senate Democrats, Robert McCann said. "Certainly as she leaves office the end of the year, it's a loss for mid-Michigan, it's a loss for the state."

Although her limited term is up, Whitmer plans to stay engaged in issues surrounding the area, and work full time out of the Capitol.