Former Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer became the first candidate to officially jump into the 2018 election pool Tuesday, by filing paperwork with the Secretary of State to set up a committee to run for governor.

It wasn’t a big announcement or the beginning of a speaking tour around the state. Rather, filing the paperwork is a prerequisite for Whitmer if she wants to begin accepting financial contributions to her campaign.

In an e-mail to supporters Tuesday, Whitmer said she is "no stranger to fights," including ones to "protect workers' rights, ... level the playing field," and "protect kids and to hold government accountable."

Whitmer, an East Lansing Democrat, said in the e-mail she remembers when Michigan was bold and didn't just face challenges, but beat them.

"That’s why I know we can build a Michigan with opportunities that rival those from our past," she said. "A state where opportunities are available to every Michigander – regardless of gender or race or religion or who you love or where you were born – if you work hard and play by the rules.