whitmer

In this file photo, then-Sen. Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a special town hall meeting at Burton Elementary about the impact of Gov. Snyder's budget on Michigan families. Listening at right is Carol Hennesy, Senita Lenear, Tom Czerwinski and Brandon Dillon.(T.J. Hamilton | The Grand Rapids Press)

(T.J. Hamilton)

Democrat Gretchen Whitmer is officially in the hunt for Michigan's 2018 gubernatorial election.

In a statement posted on Medium and sent out to potential supporters, the East Lansing resident and former Senate Minority Leader said she was entering the race for governor to fight for greater opportunities for Michigan residents.

She said she remembered when Michigan was in a position to face and beat its challenges, but argued current leaders have "been content to manage our decline."

"Together we can build the Michigan we believe in, because we still have what we need most - the strength, the talent, the vision and the grit of the incredible people of this state," she said.

Democrat Gretchen Whitmer expected to file in 2018 governor's race Tuesday

Michigan Republican Party Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel was critical of the timing of Whitmer's announcement, since it was shortly after the end of her temporary position as Ingham County Prosecutor.

She likened a potential Whitmer gubernatorial term as "a disastrous return to the unsuccessful policies of the Granholm era."

"Michigan is looking forward to a brighter future and Gretchen Whitmer would be a flashback to the failed past," Romney McDaniel said.

Whitmer filed a statement of organization with the Secretary of State for the position of governor Tuesday afternoon, which allows her to begin fundraising for the election.

In 2013, Whitmer took her name out of the 2014 race against Gov. Rick Snyder's bid for his second term, citing her desire to spend time with her daughters, who were 9 and 10 years old at the time.

After being term limited out of the Legislature in 2014, Whitmer returned to work in private practice at the Dickinson Wright law firm in September 2015 and was later unanimously selected to replace Stuart Dunnings III as interim Ingham County Prosecutor until Jan. 1, 2017.

Another possible contender for the Democratic gubernatorial ticket in 2018 is U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, who was recently reelected to a third term in his Congressional seat.

In a May interview with MLive, Kildee said he was saving his decision until after the Nov. 8 election cycle and was working to determine whether or not running "is the best way for me to advance the things I care about."

Kildee spokesperson Mitch Rivard said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that the Congressman is currently focused on representing his constituents and will be making a decision in the coming months.

"Congressman Kildee appreciates the encouragement he is getting from across the state to run for Governor," Rivard said.

On the Republican side, the top names being circulated include state Attorney General Bill Schuette and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, although neither have officially filed for the race yet.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Schuette said the attorney general would focus on Flint, supporting human trafficking victims and prosecuting criminals tied to rape evidence kits for the time being.