1980Final results
1980 election for Michigan's 18th District
U.S. House · Michigan
James J. Blanchard (D) won with 65.2% of the vote, defeating Betty J. Suida (R) by 32.3 points.
James J. BlanchardDemocrat · winner
65.2%135,705
Betty J. SuidaRepublican
33.0%68,575
Bette ErwinLibertarian
1.1%2,323
Howard L. NealAmerican Independent
0.7%1,373
207,977 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 1980
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
Money in this race
Each line compares the two campaigns on one scale.
James J. BlanchardNo Republican
$95.9K
Raised by the campaign
—
$101.4K
Spent by the campaign
—
$0
Cash on hand
—
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1980.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1980
The candidates
James J. Blanchard (D)Betty J. Suida (R)
Also on the ballot: Bette Erwin (Libertarian), 1.1%; Howard L. Neal (American Independent), 0.7%