Republican Party primaries in Michigan, 2018

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Republican Party primaries, 2018

Michigan Republican Party.png

Primary Date
August 7, 2018

Federal elections
Republican primary for U.S. Senate
Republican primaries for U.S. House

State elections
Republican primaries for Michigan legislature
Republican primary for governor
Republican primary for lieutenant governor
Republican primary for attorney general
Republican primary for secretary of state

State party
Republican Party of Michigan
State political party revenue

Primary elections—in which registered voters select a candidate whom they believe should run on the party's ticket in the general election—can reflect internal conflict over the direction of a party.

Heading into the 2018 election, the Republican Party's legislative record during Donald Trump’s presidency figured into several Republican primaries. This record included the passage of major tax legislation in December 2017 and the confirmation of federal judges. It also included a $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill in March 2018, which Trump opposed, and unsuccessful efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.[1][2]

Trump, himself, also played a role in Republican primaries. His approval rating reached 90% in June among self-described Republicans, according to a Gallup survey.[3] Many Republican candidates campaigned on their support for Trump, and negative ads accusing opponents of criticizing the president were common.[4][5][6] A May report found Trump's name or image had appeared in 37% of all Republican campaign ads at that point in 2018.[7]

This page focuses on the Republican primaries that took place in Michigan on August 7, 2018. In addition, the page provides context for understanding the state party apparatus.

In Michigan, political parties nominate candidates for some offices at their conventions instead of holding a primary. Candidates for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, Supreme Court, and the boards of Michigan State University, Wayne State University, the University of Michigan and the state Board of Education are nominated by political parties. The Democratic Party state convention and the Republican Party state convention were both held from August 25 to August 26.[8][9][10]

Battleground primaries

Battleground elections are those that Ballotpedia expected would either be more competitive than other races or attract significant national attention.

Federal elections

U.S. Senate

See also: United States Senate election in Michigan (August 7, 2018 Republican primary)
To see a full list of candidates in the Republican primary, click "Show more" below.
Show more
Republican Party Republican primary candidates


Did not make the ballot:
Candidate Connection = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

U.S. House

See also: United States House elections in Michigan (August 7, 2018 Republican primaries)
The 2018 U.S. House of Representatives elections in Michigan took place on November 6, 2018. Voters elected 14 candidates to serve in the U.S. House, one from each of the state's 14 congressional districts. In 2017, the NRCC identified Michigan's 5th and 9th Congressional Districts as targeted races. To see a full list of candidates in the Republican primaries, click "Show more" below.
Show more

District 1

Republican Party Republican primary candidates

District 2

Republican Party Republican primary candidates

District 3

Republican Party Republican primary candidates


Did not make the ballot:

District 4

Republican Party Republican primary candidates

District 5

Republican Party Republican primary candidates

District 6

Republican Party Republican primary candidates

District 7

Republican Party Republican primary candidates

District 8

Republican Party Republican primary candidates


Candidate Connection = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

District 9

Republican Party Republican primary candidates


Candidate Connection = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

District 10

Republican Party Republican primary candidates

District 11

Republican Party Republican primary candidates


Did not make the ballot:

District 12

Republican Party Republican primary candidates

District 13

Republican Party Republican primary candidates

No candidates filed for the Republican Party primary.


    Did not make the ballot:

    District 14

    Republican Party Republican primary candidates

    State elections

    Michigan Party Control: 1992-2025
    Two years of Democratic trifectas  •  Fourteen years of Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
    Governor R R R R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D
    Senate R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R D D D
    House D S S R R D D R R R R R R R R D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R D D R

    Gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election

    See also: Michigan gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018 (August 7 Republican primary)

    See also: Michigan gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018 (August 7 Republican primary)

    Republican Party Republican primary candidates


    Did not make the ballot:


    Candidate Connection = candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey

    Attorney general election

    See also: Michigan Attorney General election, 2018 (August 7 Republican primary)

    There are no official candidates yet for this election.

    Secretary of state election

    See also: Michigan Secretary of State election, 2018 (August 7 Republican primary)

    There are no official candidates yet for this election.

    State party overview

    See also: Republican Party of Michigan
    Michigan Republican Party.png


    State political party revenue

    See also: State political party revenue and State political party revenue per capita

    State political parties typically deposit revenue in separate state and federal accounts in order to comply with state and federal campaign finance laws. The following table displays the Republican Party of Michigan's revenue over a six-year period from 2011 to 2016. Revenue totals are broken down by account type and year. The data was compiled through publicly available state and federal campaign finance reports.

    Republican Party of Michigan revenue, 2011 to 2016[11][12]
    Year Federal account State account(s) Total
    2011 $1,511,039.36 $635,337.53 $2,146,376.89
    2012 $6,175,314.33 $2,410,584.55 $8,585,898.88
    2013 $1,664,268.38 $2,478,026.09 $4,142,294.47
    2014 $4,782,775.36 $6,974,037.89 $11,756,813.25
    2015 $984,596.68 $788,848.43 $1,773,445.11
    2016 $4,014,480.22 $1,724,917.06 $5,739,397.28

    Michigan compared to other states

    The Democratic Party and the Republican Party maintain state affiliates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and select U.S. territories. The following maps display total state political party revenue per capita for the Democratic and Republican state party affiliates from 2011 to 2016. The blue map displays Democratic state parties and the red map displays Republican state parties. Click on a state below to view the state party's revenue per capita totals:

    Total Democratic and Republican state political party revenue per capita in the United States, 2011-2016

    Primary election scheduling

    Michigan was one of four states to hold a primary election on August 7, 2018.

    Voter information

    How the primary works

    A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Michigan utilizes an open primary system, in which registered voters do not have to be members of a party to vote in that party's primary.[13][14]

    Poll times

    In Michigan, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. Most of the state is observes Eastern Time, while several counties observe Central Time. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.[15]

    Registration requirements

    Check your voter registration status here.

    To vote in Michigan, a voter must be a United States citizen and a resident of their city or township for at least 30 days. Voters must be at least 18 years old by Election Day, and not be currently serving a sentence in jail or prison.[16]

    Voters may register to vote online, by mail, or in person at clerk's offices in their county, city, or township, or at a state department branch office 15 days or earlier before an election .[16]

    Within 14 days of an election and on Election Day, voters can register in person at their local clerk's office by presenting proof of residency documentation.[16] According to the Michigan Secretary of State's website:[16]

    Proof of residency is official documentation (paper or digital) that lists a voter’s current name and address. When registering to vote within 14 days of an election, voters must present one form of proof of residency in person at a local clerk’s office. Proof of residency examples include:
    • Michigan driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. Passport
    • A utility bill
    • Insurance documents (health, car, home, etc.)
    • A bank or credit card statement
    • Financial aid or school enrollment documents
    • A lease agreement
    • A paycheck or other government check
    • Other government document[17]

    Automatic registration

    Michigan automatically registers eligible individuals to vote when they apply for or update a driver’s license or personal identification card.[13]

    Online registration

    See also: Online voter registration

    Michigan has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.[13]

    Same-day registration

    Michigan allows same-day voter registration.[13]

    Residency requirements

    Michigan law requires 30 days of residency in the state before a person may vote.[16]

    Verification of citizenship

    See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

    Michigan does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual applying to register to vote must attest that they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury.

    All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment.[18] Seven states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming — have laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration, whether in effect or not. One state, Ohio, requires proof of citizenship only when registering to vote at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles facility. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allows noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters.

    Verifying your registration

    This page, administered by the Michigan Department of State, allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

    Voter ID requirements

    Michigan requires voters to present photo identification while voting.[19] Voters without identification can cast a regular ballot by signing an affidavit.[19]

    The following list of accepted ID was current as of October 2024. Click here for the Michigan Secretary of State page on accepted ID to ensure you have the most current information.

    • Michigan driver’s license
    • Michigan personal identification card
    • Current driver’s license or personal ID card issued by another state
    • Current operator's or chauffeur's license
    • Current federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID
    • Current U.S. passport
    • Current military identification card with photo
    • Current student identification with photo from an educational institution
    • Current tribal identification card with photo.

    Voters can obtain a state identification card at a secretary of state branch office for $10. Voters over the age of 65, voters who are blind, and voters whose driving privileges have been terminated due to a physical or mental disability can obtain an identification card for free. Additionally, voters who can present a reason for having the fee waived may also obtain an ID for free. Visit the Michigan secretary of state’s page or call (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424) for more information.[19]

    Early voting

    Michigan permits early voting. Michigan refers to early voting as early in-person voting. Early voting dates vary across the state, but must include a minimum of nine consecutive days, ending on the Sunday before an election. For more information, click here.

    Early voting permits citizens to cast ballots in person at a polling place prior to an election. In states that permit no-excuse early voting, a voter does not have to provide an excuse for being unable to vote on Election Day. States that allow voters to cast no-excuse absentee/mail-in ballots in person are counted as no-excuse early voting states.

    Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia permit no-excuse early voting.

    Absentee voting

    Any Michigan voter can cast an absentee ballot. To vote absentee, a request must be received online or by mail no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election. In person requests can be made until 4 p.m. on the day before Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must then be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.[20]


    Pivot Counties

    See also: Pivot Counties by state

    Twelve of 83 Michigan counties—14 percent—are Pivot Counties. Pivot Counties are counties that voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012 and for Donald Trump (R) in 2016. Altogether, the nation had 206 Pivot Counties, with most being concentrated in upper midwestern and northeastern states.

    Counties won by Trump in 2016 and Obama in 2012 and 2008
    County Trump margin of victory in 2016 Obama margin of victory in 2012 Obama margin of victory in 2008
    Bay County, Michigan 12.55% 5.56% 15.31%
    Calhoun County, Michigan 12.46% 1.60% 9.36%
    Eaton County, Michigan 4.72% 3.13% 8.40%
    Gogebic County, Michigan 14.80% 8.10% 17.27%
    Isabella County, Michigan 3.66% 9.28% 19.26%
    Lake County, Michigan 22.77% 5.01% 12.28%
    Macomb County, Michigan 11.53% 3.99% 8.62%
    Manistee County, Michigan 15.29% 5.93% 13.26%
    Monroe County, Michigan 21.97% 0.98% 4.35%
    Saginaw County, Michigan 1.13% 11.89% 17.34%
    Shiawassee County, Michigan 19.59% 3.67% 8.59%
    Van Buren County, Michigan 13.92% 0.45% 8.78%

    In the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump (R) won Michigan with 47.5 percent of the vote. Hillary Clinton (D) received 47.3 percent. In presidential elections between 1836 and 2016, Michigan voted Republican 60.8 percent of the time and Democratic 34.7 percent of the time. In the five presidential elections between 2000 and 2016, Michigan voted Democratic four out of the five elections.[21]

    Presidential results by legislative district

    The following table details results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections by state House districts in Michigan. Click [show] to expand the table. The "Obama," "Romney," "Clinton," and "Trump" columns describe the percent of the vote each presidential candidate received in the district. The "2012 Margin" and "2016 Margin" columns describe the margin of victory between the two presidential candidates in those years. The "Party Control" column notes which party held that seat heading into the 2018 general election. Data on the results of the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections broken down by state legislative districts was compiled by Daily Kos.[22][23]

    In 2012, Barack Obama (D) won 53 out of 110 state House districts in Michigan with an average margin of victory of 37.1 points. In 2016, Hillary Clinton (D) won 43 out of 110 state House districts in Michigan with an average margin of victory of 39.3 points. Clinton won four districts controlled by Republicans heading into the 2018 elections.
    In 2012, Mitt Romney (R) won 57 out of 110 state House districts in Michigan with an average margin of victory of 12.4 points. In 2016, Donald Trump (R) won 67 out of 110 state House districts in Michigan with an average margin of victory of 21.2 points. Trump won eight districts controlled by Democrats heading into the 2018 elections.

    See also

    Federal primaries in Michigan State primaries in Michigan Michigan state party apparatus Michigan voter information
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    Flag of Michigan.png
    Seal of Michigan.png
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    Footnotes

    1. ‘’National Review’’, “Trump Is Not Blameless in the Spending-Bill Disaster,” March 28, 2018
    2. The New York Times, "A New Guide to the Republican Herd," August 26, 2012
    3. Gallup, "Trump Job Approval Slips Back to 41%," June 25, 2018
    4. Daily Commercial, "Trump hurdle looms large in Florida GOP governor primary," July 30, 2018
    5. Daily Commercial, "These 2018 Primaries Are Worth Watching," July 25, 2018
    6. Washington Post, "Republican primary candidates have one goal: Securing Trump’s endorsement or denying it to an opponent," July 25, 2018
    7. USA Today, "Donald Trump once divided Republicans; ads for midterms signal that's no longer true," May 17, 2018
    8. Detroit Free Press, "Democratic endorsement convention reveals divide between progressives, African Americans," April 19, 2018
    9. Michigan.gov, "Michigan Election dates," accessed April 30, 2018
    10. Michigan GOP, "2018 Michigan Republican Party State Convention," accessed April 30, 2018
    11. Michigan Secretary of State, "Campaign Finance Disclosure—Searchable Database Downloads & Statistics," accessed May 2016 (Search terms Michigan Republican Party and Democratic State Central Committee)
    12. Federal Election Commission, "Candidate and Committee Viewer," accessed May 2016 (Search terms Michigan Republican Party and Michigan Democratic State Central Committee)
    13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 NCSL, "State Primary Election Types," accessed October 7, 2024 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "ncsl" defined multiple times with different content
    14. Michigan.gov, "Questions and Answers: Michigan’s Presidential Primary," accessed October 7, 2024
    15. Michigan Secretary of State, "Frequently Asked Questions: Elections and Voting," accessed April 16, 2023
    16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Michigan Secretary of State, "Registering to Vote," accessed October 7, 2024
    17. Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    18. Under federal law, the national mail voter registration application (a version of which is in use in all states with voter registration systems) requires applicants to indicate that they are U.S. citizens in order to complete an application to vote in state or federal elections, but does not require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the application "may require only the minimum amount of information necessary to prevent duplicate voter registrations and permit State officials both to determine the eligibility of the applicant to vote and to administer the voting process."
    19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 Michigan.gov, "Notice to Voters: Voter Identification Requirement in Effect," accessed October 7, 2024
    20. Michigan Secretary of State, "Vote at home (Absentee)," April 17, 2023
    21. 270towin.com, "Michigan," accessed June 29, 2017
    22. Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts," July 9, 2013
    23. Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' 2016 presidential results for congressional and legislative districts," February 6, 2017