1976Final results
1976 election for Michigan's 18th District
U.S. House · Michigan
James J. Blanchard (D) won with 66.1% of the vote, defeating John E. Olsen (R) by 33.4 points.
James J. BlanchardDemocrat · winner
66.1%123,113
John E. OlsenRepublican
32.8%60,995
David Wengel DrexlerAmerican Independent
0.6%1,143
Frank G. RisingLibertarian
0.2%396
K. Martin KellerOther party
0.2%289
James C. HorvathOther party
0.1%259
186,195 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1976
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The candidates
James J. Blanchard (D)John E. Olsen (R)
Also on the ballot: David Wengel Drexler (American Independent), 0.6%; Frank G. Rising (Libertarian), 0.2%; K. Martin Keller (Other party), 0.2%; James C. Horvath (Other party), 0.1%