Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appeared to reverse course Thursday on her political future, softening earlier comments in which she ruled out a 2028 presidential bid.

During a morning interview with Fox 2 Detroit, Whitmer stated definitively that she would not join the expected crowded field of Democratic candidates in 2028. Hours later at the Mackinac Policy Conference, she walked back that statement, telling reporters, “Never say never.”

The 54-year-old Democrat, who will be 55 when she leaves office due to term limits, said she has “a lot of energy” and wants to continue having an impact after her governorship. She added that she is not making any formal announcements at this time and remains focused on her current duties.

Whitmer has long been viewed as a rising star in the Democratic Party. She gained national prominence during Donald Trump’s first term and delivered the Democratic response to his 2020 State of the Union address. She won two terms as governor in the key battleground state of Michigan but chose not to run for president in 2024, instead endorsing Kamala Harris.

Her comments come as speculation grows about the 2028 Democratic presidential field, which is already drawing interest from figures like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Elissa Slotkin, both from Michigan.