Michael J. Whyte was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on April 25, 1966. He graduated from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls in 1984. Mr. Whyte attended Carroll College, in Helena, Montana, and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Political Science and Public Administration.

After graduating from Carroll College, Mr. Whyte was a field representative for United States Senator Max Baucus, working in Senator Baucus' Helena Montana office. Mr. Whyte was also a college recruiter for Carroll College. Mr. Whyte began law school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 1989 and graduated in 1992.

After graduating from Creighton University, Mr. Whyte joined the law firm of Thomsen Stephens, as an associate Idaho attorney in 1993. He has practiced in the areas of Criminal Defense, Family Law, Insurance Law, Collections, Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury and Indian Law. Mr. Whyte is an active member of the Idaho Bar Association and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Bar Association and is authorized to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Idaho.