1978 Michigan gubernatorial election

The 1978 Michigan gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican William Milliken was elected to a third term as Michigan Governor.

1978 Michigan gubernatorial election

November 2, 1978

Nominee William Milliken William B. Fitzgerald Jr. Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,628,485 1,237,256 Percentage 56.8% 43.1%

County results Milliken:      50–60%      60–70%      70-80% Fitzgerald:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Governor before election William Milliken Republican Elected Governor William Milliken Republican

As of 2023, this remains the last election in which the Republican candidate for Governor carried Wayne County.

The primary elections occurred on August 8, 1978. Milliken was unopposed, while Fitzgerald defeated a four-man field including law professor and perennial candidate Zolton Ferency.

Republican primary

Candidates

• William Milliken, incumbent Governor

Results

Michigan gubernatorial Republican primary, 1978

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	William Milliken (incumbent)	393,010	99.98
	Republican	Write-ins	89	0.02
Total votes			393,099	100.00

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Zolton Ferency, Michigan State University law professor and 1966 nominee for Governor
• William B. Fitzgerald Jr., State Senator from Detroit and former Senate Majority Leader
• Patrick McCollough
• William Ralls

Results

Michigan gubernatorial Democratic primary, 1978

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	William B. Fitzgerald Jr.	240,641	39.79%
	Democratic	Zolton Ferency	151,062	24.98%
	Democratic	Patrick McCollough	108,742	17.98%
	Democratic	William Ralls	104,364	17.25%
	Democratic	Write-ins	52	0.01
Total votes			604,861	100.00

General election

Results

Michigan gubernatorial election, 1978

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	William Milliken (incumbent)	1,628,485	56.80
	Democratic	William B. Fitzgerald Jr.	1,237,256	43.15
	Write-ins		1,471	0.05
Majority			2,867,212
	Republican hold