1978Final results
1978 election for Michigan's 16th District
U.S. House · Michigan
John D. Dingell (D) won with 76.5% of the vote, defeating Melvin E. Heuer (R) by 54.5 points.
John D. DingellDemocrat · winner
76.5%93,387
Melvin E. HeuerRepublican
22.0%26,827
Harry C. HengyAmerican Independent
1.5%1,889
122,111 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 1978
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The candidates
John D. Dingell (D)Melvin E. Heuer (R)
Also on the ballot: Harry C. Hengy (American Independent), 1.5%