Biggest governor landslides in Michigan
The biggest landslide in a Michigan governor’s race was in 1835, a margin of 81.6 points. Stevens T. Mason beat John Biddle, 8,461 to 814. Next widest are 1928 (40.5 points) and 1924 (39.2 points).
Every state is ranked together on Biggest governor landslides. For every gubernatorial race Michigan has held, special elections included, see the Michigan governor hub.
What is the biggest landslide in a Michigan governor’s race?
The widest margin in a Michigan gubernatorial general election came in 1835, 81.6 points. Stevens T. Mason beat John Biddle, 8,461 to 814. Next are 1928 (40.5 points) and 1924 (39.2 points).
Why do some huge wins not appear?
A blowout only counts here when somebody real finished second, which means at least 5% of the vote. Without that rule the list fills with uncontested races and with contests where the record is simply missing the major opponent, both of which show the winner near 100%.
Does this include recalls and special elections?
No, only regular general elections for governor. The Michigan governor hub lists every race including specials and recalls.
| # | Election | Result | Votes | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1835 | Stevens T. Mason D def. John Biddle W | 8,461 – 814 | +81.6 points |
| 2 | 1928 | Fred W. Green R def. William Comstock D | 961,179 – 404,546 | +40.5 points |
| 3 | 1924 | Alex J. Groesbeck R def. Edward Frensdorf D | 799,225 – 343,577 | +39.2 points |
| 4 | 1920 | Alex J. Groesbeck R def. Woodbridge N. Ferris D | 703,180 – 310,566 | +37.1 points |
| 5 | 1986 | James J. Blanchard D def. William Lucas R | 1,632,138 – 753,647 | +36.6 points |
| 6 | 1926 | Fred W. Green R def. William Comstock D | 399,564 – 227,155 | +27.3 points |
| 7 | 1906 | Fred M. Warner R def. Charles H. Kimmerle D | 227,567 – 130,018 | +26.1 points |
| 8 | 1894 | John T. Rich R def. Spencer O. Fisher D | 237,215 – 130,823 | +25.5 points |
| 9 | 1872 | John J. Bagley R def. Austin Blair R | 137,606 – 80,961 | +25.4 points |
| 10 | 1918 | Albert E. Sleeper R def. John W. Bailey D | 266,738 – 158,142 | +25.0 points |
| 11 | 1998 | John Engler R def. Geoffrey Fieger D | 1,883,005 – 1,143,574 | +24.4 points |
| 12 | 1922 | Alex J. Groesbeck R def. Alva M. Cummins D | 356,933 – 218,252 | +23.8 points |
| 13 | 1994 | John Engler R def. Howard Wolpe D | 1,899,101 – 1,188,438 | +23.0 points |
| 14 | 1946 | Kim Sigler R def. Murray Van Wagoner D | 1,003,878 – 644,540 | +21.6 points |
| 15 | 1966 | George W. Romney R def. Zolton Ferency D | 1,490,430 – 963,383 | +21.4 points |
| 16 | 2010 | Rick Snyder R def. Virg Bernero D | 1,874,834 – 1,287,320 | +18.2 points |
| 17 | 1898 | Hazen S. Pingree R def. Justin R Whiting D | 243,239 – 168,142 | +17.8 points |
| 18 | 1866 | Henry H. Crapo R def. Alpheus S. Williams D | 96,746 – 67,708 | +17.7 points |
| 19 | 1851 | Robert McClelland D def. Townsend E. Gidley W | 23,827 – 16,901 | +16.9 points |
| 20 | 1878 | Charles Croswell R def. Orlando M. Barnes D | 126,367 – 78,548 | +16.9 points |
| 21 | 1843 | John S. Barry D def. Zina Pitcher W | 21,392 – 14,899 | +16.6 points |
| 22 | 1916 | Albert E. Sleeper R def. Edwin F. Sweet D | 363,724 – 264,440 | +15.2 points |
| 23 | 1896 | Hazen S. Pingree R def. Charles R. Sligh D | 304,431 – 225,200 | +15.2 points |
| 24 | 1930 | Wilber M. Brucker R def. William Comstock D | 483,990 – 357,664 | +14.9 points |
| 25 | 1841 | John S. Barry D def. Philo C. Fuller W | 20,993 – 15,449 | +14.7 points |