William Milliken Republican James Blanchard Democratic The 1982 Michigan gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 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.