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1986 Michigan gubernatorial election

← 1982 November 4, 1986 1990 →

Nominee James Blanchard William Lucas Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 1,632,138 753,647 Percentage 68.10% 31.45%

County resultsMunicipality resultsBlanchard:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Lucas:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Governor before election James Blanchard Democratic Elected Governor James Blanchard Democratic

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v t e

The 1986 Michigan gubernatorial election was held on November 4.

The primary elections occurred on August 6, 1986. The Democrats nominated incumbent governor James Blanchard. The Republicans nominated Wayne County executive William Lucas, who made history by being the first African-American nominee by either major party for Governor of Michigan.

Blanchard was re-elected by a landslide, winning the election with 68.1% of the vote.

This was the most recent election in which a male Democrat was elected governor of Michigan. As of the 2022 Michigan gubernatorial election, this is the last election in which the Democratic candidate won Allegan, Antrim, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Hillsdale, Huron, Kalkaska, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Sanilac, and Wexford counties. This was the last time Kent County, home to Michigan's second largest city, Grand Rapids, voted for a Democratic governor until Gretchen Whitmer won it in 2018.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• James J. Blanchard, incumbent governor of Michigan
• Henry Wilson

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

• Dick Chrysler, automotive businessman
• Colleen Engler, state representative from Bay City
• William Lucas, Wayne County Executive
• Dan Murphy

Results

General election

Results

References

1. ^ Michigan (1989). Michigan manual. 1987/1988 – via HathiTrust.
2. ^ Parker, Randy; RBH (June 14, 2009). "Our Campaigns: MI U.S. Senate". Our Campaigns.

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