February 11, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2026
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Names Mark Totten as Chief Legal Counsel
Governor thanks Alexis Blane for leading the Office of Legal Counsel as acting chief legal counsel
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer welcomed Mark Totten back to the Executive Office of the Governor as chief legal counsel, which he previously held during her first term. Alexis Blane will serve as a special advisor to the governor.
“Mark Totten is a proven leader who understands how to deliver results for the people of Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Mark led my fight to protect reproductive freedom. As U.S. Attorney, Mark defended civil rights and took on fraud and public corruption. As we continue our work to lower costs, protect fundamental rights, and build a stronger future for Michigan, Mark will be a critical partner in helping ensure our administration’s work will make a real, lasting difference in people’s lives.”
Mark Totten, Chief Legal Counsel
Mark Totten will serve as chief legal counsel for the governor. As the governor’s top legal advisor, he will work closely with state agencies, the Attorney General’s office, and key partners to ensure Michigan’s laws and policies are implemented effectively and responsibly. Before returning to the executive office, Mark was the United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. He’s now served three times in the U.S. Justice Department, where he began his career in Washington, D.C. before returning home to Michigan. Mark was also a law professor at Michigan State University. Totten received his law degree and a Ph.D. in ethics from Yale University.
“I’m honored to serve Governor Whitmer and the people of Michigan,” said Mark Totten. “Governor Whitmer has built an administration focused on getting things done—fixing roads, protecting rights, and making Michigan a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I look forward to supporting that mission and helping advance the important work ahead.”
Alexis Blane, Special Advisor to the Governor
Alexis Blane will continue to serve the governor in a leadership role as special advisor. For the last year, Alexis was acting chief legal counsel for Governor Whitmer. She joined the executive office in 2022 as special counsel, leading the office’s work on reproductive rights, education, and economic development. Prior to serving in the governor’s office, she was the principal deputy counsel and acting counsel to the Mayor of New York City from 2018-2021. Alexis has worked in the non-profit space and at the U.S. Department of State. She attended New York University Law School and holds a doctorate from the University of Oxford, where she was a Rhodes Scholar.
“Over the past year, Alexis has served the people of Michigan with extraordinary skill and steady leadership as our acting chief legal counsel,” said Governor Whitmer. “At a time when Michigan faced new legal challenges coming out of Washington, Alexis helped lead our legal strategy with clarity, determination, and an unwavering commitment to protecting Michigan families. I’m proud she will continue to serve on our team as we keep delivering results for Michiganders.”
Both positions are effective immediately.
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