PolitiFinder

1986 Michigan Gubernatorial Election

Michigan · 2 candidates · See every 1986 Governor race

Who won the 1986 Michigan Gubernatorial Election?

James J. Blanchard won the 1986 Michigan Gubernatorial Election. James J. Blanchard received 1,632,138 popular votes (68.1%). The main challenger was William Lucas (31.45%).

See the full head-to-head between Blanchard and Lucas

Blanchard +36.6 pts · won by 878,491 votes
James J. BlanchardDemocraticWINNER68.1%
1,632,138 votes
William LucasRepublican31.45%
753,647 votes
Popular-vote totals for governor elections are compiled from official state results (via Wikipedia); Louisiana shows the decisive round of its jungle primary.

Data last verified July 28, 2026.