Michigan Gov. Whitmer to keynote HRC 2026 National dinner in Washington, D.C.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will serve as keynote speaker at the Human Rights Campaign’s 2026 National Dinner in Washington, D.C., scheduled for Saturday, September 26, at the Washington Hilton. The event is expected to draw hundreds of members, advocates and leaders from across the country.

Whitmer highlighted her support for LGBTQ+ protections, noting her personal connection as a mother of a gay daughter and her legislative actions in 2023. She signed amendments to Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and created the state’s first LGBTQ+ Commission to address health, safety and economic opportunity.

The National Dinner is one of HRC’s biggest annual events, and this year will also honor actress Marcia Gay Harden, actor André De Shields and ballroom icon Junior LaBeija. Whitmer used her statement to look ahead to the November election, emphasizing that every right won is on the ballot.

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