1982 Michigan gubernatorial election

1982 Michigan gubernatorial election

← 1978 November 2, 1982 1986 →

Nominee James Blanchard Richard Headlee Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 1,561,291 1,369,582 Percentage 51.4% 45.1%

County results Blanchard:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Headlee:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election William Milliken Republican Elected Governor James Blanchard Democratic

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v t e

The 1982 Michigan gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1982. Incumbent Governor William Milliken decided to retire instead of seeking a fourth full term as governor. The primary elections occurred on August 10, 1982. Businessman Richard Headlee narrowly defeated incumbent lieutenant governor James Brickley in a four way race on the Republican side. Congressman James Blanchard defeated Michigan Senate Majority Leader William B. Fitzgerald Jr. by a wide margin a fractured seven way race. Blanchard won the general election by a relatively comfortable 6.31% margin. Blanchard became the first Democrat to win the governor’s mansion in Michigan in 22 years.^[1]