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November 4, 2008 (2008-11-04)
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| Elections in Michigan |
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The 2008 Michigan elections were held in the U.S. state of Michigan on November 4, 2008. The presidential primary was held on January 15. The state primary was held on August 5.[1]
Federal
Presidential primaries
The presidential primaries were held on January 15, 2008.[1] Hillary Clinton won the Democratic primary in Michigan, but Barack Obama won the primary nationally.[2] Mitt Romney won the Republican primary in Michigan, but John McCain won the primary nationally.[3][4]
Presidential general election
Democratic nominee Barack Obama won the presidential general election in Michigan, defeating Republican nominee John McCain.[5] All 17 of Michigan's electoral votes went to Obama.[6] Obama would also win the presidency nationally.[5]
U.S. Senate
Incumbent Democrat Carl Levin was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.[7]
U.S. House of Representatives
Two incumbent Republicans were defeated, resulting in 8 Democratic members of the U.S. House and 7 Republicans.[8]
Legislature
State House of Representative
The Democrats win a greater lead in the state House, resulting in a 67–43 majority over the Republicans.[9]
Judiciary
Supreme Court
Incumbent Republican chief justice Clifford Taylor sought re-election on November 4, 2008.[8] While Michigan State Supreme Court elections are officially nonpartisan, the candidates are permitted to be nominated at political party conventions.[10] Taylor was defeated by Democratic nominee Diane Hathaway.[8]
Michigan State Board of Education and University boards
State Board of Education
Incumbent Democrats Kathleen Straus and John Austin were re-elected, preserving the 6–2 majority the party held on the board.[11]
Michigan State University Board of Trustees
In the November 4, 2008, general election, incumbent Michigan State University trustee Scott Romney sought re-election, while incumbent Democrat Dorothy V. Gonzales was not renominated at the party's convention.[12] Democrats Dianne Byrum and Diann Woodward won election, increasing the Democratic majority on the board to 6–2.[13]
University of Michigan Board of Regents
There were two seats up for election on University of Michigan board of regents on November 4, 2008. One Democratic incumbent, Larry Deitch, sought re-election. Another Democratic incumbent, Rebecca McGowan, did not seek re-election.[14] The election was won by Democrats Deitch and Denise Ilitch. This preserved the 6–2 majority the party held on the board.[15]
Wayne State University Board of Governors
In the November 4, 2008, general election, incumbent Democrat Paul Massaron sought re-election, while incumbent Democrat Jacquelin Washington decided not to seek re-election.[16] Democrats Massaron and Gary Pollard were elected, preserving the 7–1 Democratic majority on the board.[13]
Ballot initiatives
State ballot proposals
Michigan approved two state ballot proposals on November 4, 2008. Proposal 1 was a legislative initiative to legalize medical marijuana in state law. Proposal 2 was a state constitutional amendment which lessened restrictions on stem cell research.[1][17]
Local elections
The following is an incomplete list of 2008 elections in notable localities.
Bay County executive election
Incumbent Bay County Executive Thomas L. Hickner, a Democrat, was re-elected unopposed.[18]
Oakland County executive election
Incumbent Republican Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson was re-elected.[19]
References
- "Election Results". Michigan Secretary of State. Retrieved September 11, 2026.
- "Dems give Michigan and Florida full voting rights". Minnesota Public Radio. August 24, 2008. Retrieved September 11, 2026.
- "Romney defeats McCain in Michigan primary". NBC News. January 15, 2008. Retrieved September 11, 2026.
- "McCain officially wins Republican nomination". The Guardian. March 5, 2008. Retrieved September 11, 2026.
- "History happens: Obama wins". The Guardian. March 5, 2008. Retrieved September 11, 2026.
- "2008 Electoral College Results". National Archives and Records Administration. Retrieved September 11, 2026.
- "Levin returns to Senate". Muskegon Chronicle. November 5, 2008. p. 21. Retrieved September 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "It'll Go Down in History". Detroit Free Press. November 6, 2008. p. 9. Retrieved September 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Democrats' victory trail begins in state House". Detroit Free Press. November 6, 2008. p. 4. Retrieved September 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Michigan". State Court Report. Retrieved September 11, 2026.
- "Democrats loom large on education boards". Muskegon Chronicle. November 5, 2008. p. 16. Retrieved September 7, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Michigan university boards facing budget issues". Grand Haven Tribune. October 18, 2008. p. 24. Retrieved September 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Democrats sweep races for state education boards". Kalamazoo Gazette. November 5, 2008. p. 9. Retrieved September 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Democrats pick 2 for U-M regents contest". The Ann Arbor News. September 7, 2008. p. A8. Retrieved September 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Democrats win 2 U-M regents seats". The Ann Arbor News. November 5, 2008. p. A4. Retrieved September 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "University boards have to hit books". The Grand Rapids Press. October 19, 2008. p. A30. Retrieved September 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "State looks to codify marijuana, stem-cell laws". Detroit Free Press. November 6, 2008. p. 29. Retrieved September 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- "November 4, 2008 General Election" (PDF). Bay County Clerk. 2008. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2025. Retrieved September 11, 2026.
- "Patterson ducks Obama wave, cruises to victory". Detroit Free Press. November 5, 2008. p. 13. Retrieved September 11, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.