Lansing, MI – Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be sworn in for a second term as Michigan’s 49th governor on Sunday, January 1, 2023. The ceremony, including the oath of office, will take place outside of the Capitol Building in Lansing starting at 10:30AM. Following the ceremony, there will be winter games, hot cocoa and snacks, live ice sculpture carving, and more. The ceremony and accompanying family-friendly activities are open to the public and free to attend.  

“It is the honor of a lifetime to have the support and trust of millions of Michiganders to continue serving our beautiful state,” said Governor Whitmer. “Over the last four years, our state has shown that we can come together as Michiganders to tackle the toughest challenges of our lifetime. We’ve made great progress, but our work isn’t finished. I am more confident than ever that our state’s future is bright because of the tough, hardworking people who call this place home. As governor, I promise to embody those same values—grit, grace, passion—and continue to be a practical problem solver who gets things done. Let’s move Michigan forward!” 

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Attorney General Dana Nessel and those members of the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Court of Appeals, State Board of Education, University of Michigan Board of Regents, Michigan State University Board of Trustees, and Wayne State Board of Governors who were elected on November 8 will also take their oaths of office during the ceremony.

“I am excited and honored to take the oath of office for my second term as Michigan’s lieutenant governor,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Michigan is a state defined by possibility, home to dreamers and innovators who are blazing new trails and defining the future. I look forward to working alongside Governor Whitmer and countless hardworking Michiganders to build on that innovative heritage and ensure every resident of our state, no matter their background, can realize their full potential. Let us come together to make a difference and build a brighter future for our kids.” 

The swearing-in ceremony will begin with a musical performance by the 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard. Other ceremony highlights will include recognition of tribal nations, a parade of flags, an invocation by Pastor Rory Marshall Jr. of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, a 19-Gun Salute by the 1st Battalion 119th Field Artillery, a flyover by the Michigan Air National Guard and prayers by Rabbi Alicia Harris of Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy and Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi of Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights. 

Those planning to attend must RSVP at michiganstrong.org to receive a free ticket to be admitted to the event. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and assemble on the east lawn of the Capitol. Parking will be available at multiple locations surrounding the Capitol. 

A full schedule of inaugural events can also be found at michiganstrong.org. All inaugural celebration events will be paid for through private donations and ticket sales.