| Election Name: | 1982 Michigan gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Michigan |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1978 Michigan gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 1978 |
| Next Election: | 1986 Michigan gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 1986 |
| Election Date: | November 2, 1982 |
| Nominee1: | James Blanchard |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,561,291 |
| Percentage1: | 51.4% |
| Nominee2: | Richard Headlee |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,369,582 |
| Percentage2: | 45.1% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | William Milliken |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | James Blanchard |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
The 1982 Michigan gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1982. Incumbent Governor William Milliken decided to retire instead of seeking a fourth full term as governor. The primary elections occurred on August 10, 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.[1]