Who Is Jennifer Granholm? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on February 5, 1959, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Jennifer Granholm is a prominent American politician and member of the Democratic Party. She served as the governor of Michigan from 2003 to 2011 and has had a significant impact on both state and national politics. As of 2025, Jennifer Granholm is 66 years old. She brought to the forefront issues like renewable energy and economic recovery, establishing herself as a strong advocate for progressive policies.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1959 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Canada |
Popularity
Jennifer Granholm's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jennifer Granholm is noted for her commanding presence. Though specific height and weight details may vary over time, she stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and has maintained a healthy lifestyle, reflecting her commitment to fitness. Her exact weight is not publicly disclosed; however, she exemplifies a fit and active appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jennifer Granholm is married to Daniel Granholm, whom she wed in 1986. Together, they have three children. Daniel has been a steadfast partner throughout her political career, supporting her in various endeavors. While there have been no publicly known affairs, Jennifer maintains a low profile regarding her personal life, focusing predominantly on her family and professional pursuits.
Granholm was a member of the presidential transition team for Barack Obama before he assumed office in 2009. After leaving public office, Granholm took a position at the UC Berkeley and, with her husband Daniel Mulhern, wrote A Governor's Story: The Fight for Jobs and America's Future, released in 2011.
She became host of The War Room with Jennifer Granholm. In 2017, she was hired as a CNN political contributor.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Jennifer Granholm's net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. Her wealth is attributed to her long-standing political career, lucrative speaking engagements, and various roles in both the public and private sectors. As of now, her annual salary as the U.S. Secretary of Energy is estimated to be around $200,000, though her total earnings from speeches and consultations are substantial.
In April 1999, Granholm announced a lawsuit against RVP Development, builders of the Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course, alleging that poor construction of the course had led to illegal discharges of sediment into Lake Michigan from erosion following heavy storms in 1998, which had "turned a ravine into a ravaged gorge".
Development company President Richard Postma refused to pay the $425,000 of state fines, saying he had made moves to stop the erosion and accused Granholm of trying to make him "a poster child for her campaign of the future".
Granholm responded that his "perception of the political landscape in Michigan is as poor as his ability to construct a golf landscape". After years of negotiations and legal wrangling, the lawsuit was settled in August 2003, with RVP Development agreeing to pay a $125,000 fine.
Career, Business and Investments
Jennifer Granholm’s career has been a blend of public service and business acumen. After serving as the governor of Michigan, she transitioned into academia and consultancy. In 2021, she was appointed as the Secretary of Energy under President Biden's administration. Granholm's focus on renewable energy and climate change has positioned her as a leading figure in advocating for clean energy initiatives. She has also invested in several clean technology firms, reflecting her commitment to sustainable economic growth.
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Granholm moved to California at age four. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1984 and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 1987.
She then clerked for Judge Damon Keith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, became an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan in 1991, and was appointed to the Wayne County Corporation Counsel in 1995.
Social Network
Jennifer Granholm is an active voice on social media, using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share her thoughts on various issues, connect with constituents, and promote energy policies. She also engages with her followers by discussing personal experiences, family matters, and career updates.
Granholm emphasized post-secondary education for Michiganders following the decline in Michigan manufacturing jobs, many of which did not require a college degree. In 2004 she asked Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry to lead the Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth to double the number of college graduates in Michigan.
Many of the commission's recommendations were enacted into law during Granholm's tenure as governor, e.g.
increasing high school graduation standards (The Michigan Merit Curriculum) so that every Michigan high school student takes a college preparatory curriculum, which includes four years of math and English/language arts and three years of science and social studies, beginning with students who entered high school in the fall of 2006.
Education
Jennifer Granholm holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Her educational background has played a pivotal role in shaping her political acumen and advocacy for citizen engagement and policy development.
In conclusion, Jennifer Granholm remains a significant figure in American politics as of 2025. Her dedication to public service, engaging personality, and considerable expertise in energy policy continue to inspire many. Whether you are a supporter or simply interested in her career, her journey is a testament to hard work and dedication in the political arena.
In 1980, at age 21, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen, and worked for John B. Anderson's campaign for president of the United States as an Independent in the 1980 election. She then enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, the first person in her family to attend college.
She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in 1984 with a B.A. in political science and French. During a year in France, she helped to smuggle clothes and medical supplies to Jewish people in the Soviet Union and became involved in the anti-apartheid movement.
She then earned a Juris Doctor degree at Harvard University, also with honors, in 1987. At Harvard Law School, Granholm served as editor-in-chief of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review.
