Overview of the 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial Election
The 2018 Michigan gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 2018, as part of the state’s regular cycle for partisan offices. Incumbent Republican Governor Rick Snyder was term-limited, making the seat open. The general election featured former state Senator Gretchen Whitmer (D), then–Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette (R), and third-party and independent candidates. Whitmer won with 53.3 percent of the vote to Schuette’s 43.4 percent. This profile explains the major candidates, their policy positions, and the context of a competitive race in a swing state.
Major Democratic Candidate: Gretchen Whitmer
Background and Experience
Gretchen Whitmer served in the Michigan Senate from 2006 to 2015, including as Minority Leader, and as Ingham County Prosecutor from 2001 to 2006. She positioned herself as a pragmatic Democrat focused on restoring public services, protecting reproductive rights, and rebuilding infrastructure. Whitmer emphasized respect for diverse viewpoints while highlighting her prosecutorial and legislative record.
Key Policy Positions
- Economy and jobs: Support for skilled trades, manufacturing, and small business; expansion of talent programs and regional investments.
- Education: Increased K–12 funding, teacher support, and community college investments; early childhood access expansion.
- Healthcare and Medicaid: Expansion of Medicaid under the ACA; protecting coverage for preexisting conditions; lowering prescription drug costs.
- Infrastructure: Repairing roads, bridges, and transit; closing drinking water infrastructure gaps; clean water initiatives.
- Government accountability and ethics: Strengthening ethics rules, enhancing transparency, and restoring confidence in state institutions.
Major Republican Candidate: Bill Schuette
Background and Experience
Bill Schuette served as Michigan Attorney General from 2011 to 2019 and previously as a U.S. Representative. Running as a conservative Republican, he emphasized law and order, opposition to sanctuary policies, energy development, and support for gun rights. Schuette framed himself as a results-oriented leader capable of working across party lines.
Key Policy Positions
- Law and public safety: Tougher penalties for violent crime, expanding cold-case units, and supporting law enforcement.
- Immigration: Support for stricter enforcement and opposition to policies limiting federal cooperation on immigration enforcement.
- Energy and environment: Pro-development stance on energy, support for pipelines where safety and legal standards are met, and promoting conservation.
- Education and workforce: Emphasis on school choice, vocational training, and aligning education with workforce needs.
- Fiscal policy: Controlled spending, reducing debt, and protecting Michigan’s credit rating.
Additional Notable Candidates
Beyond the two major parties, several third-party and independent candidates appeared on the 2018 ballot. The Libertarian Party nominee was Dennis Spicos, who focused on reducing government size and increasing individual liberty. The Green Party nominee was Jim Speelman, emphasizing environmental sustainability, social justice, and municipal control of utilities. Neither placed prominently in the final tally, but their inclusion demonstrates the range of voices in the election.
General Election Results
Turnout in the 2018 gubernatorial election was high, reflecting competitive campaigning and heightened engagement. Official results from the Michigan Secretary of State showed Whitmer defeating Schuette by a margin of approximately 10 percentage points. County-level outcomes showed Whitmer winning in many urban and suburban areas, while Schuette performed strongly in rural counties. The election returned to Democratic control of the governor’s office after eight years of Republican leadership.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Percent | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gretchen Whitmer | Democratic | 2,493,774 | 53.3% | Elected Governor |
| Bill Schuette | Republican | 2,018,631 | 43.4% | General Election Candidate |
| Dennis Spicos | Libertarian | 26,838 | 0.6% | Third-Party Candidate |
| Jim Speelman | Green | 22,753 | 0.5% | Third-Party Candidate |
| Other/Write-ins | — | 35,132 | 0.7% | Other |
Context and Aftermath
The 2018 contest was widely viewed as a referendum on leadership and policy direction in Michigan. Key themes included infrastructure investment, education funding, healthcare access, and ethical governance. After the election, Whitmer’s administration prioritized road funding, water infrastructure, and expanding access to coverage. The race also underscored voter engagement trends and shifts in suburban and rural voting patterns across the state. The 2018 election remains a useful case study for understanding Michigan’s evolving electorate and policy priorities.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who were the main candidates in the 2018 Michigan gubernatorial election?
The two main candidates were Gretchen Whitmer (Democratic) and Bill Schuette (Republican). Notable third-party candidates included Dennis Spicos (Libertarian) and Jim Speelman (Green).
What were the top issues in the 2018 Michigan governor race?
Leading issues included road and infrastructure funding, Medicaid expansion, education funding and teacher support, prescription drug costs, public safety, and government ethics and transparency.
How does the Michigan governor’s race work?
Partisan primary elections are held to select each party’s nominee. A statewide general election in November determines the winner, who serves a four-year term with no term limits, though candidates must meet state residency and age requirements.