The 1964 Michigan gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1964. Incumbent Republican George W. Romney defeated Democratic nominee Neil O. Staebler with 55.87% of the vote.
This was the first election in which the governor and lieutenant governor were elected on a joint ticket. Previously, both offices were elected separately. This also marked the last time the governor was elected to a two-year term, as in 1963 a new state constitution had been adopted, extending the term length to four years, effective with the next election.
Primary election
Michigan held primary elections on September 1, 1964.
Republican party
Incumbent governor George W. Romney easily won renomination.
Candidates
- George W. Romney, incumbent governor
- George N. Higgins, former member of Michigan Senate
Democratic party
United States Representative Neil Staebler won the Democratic nomination unopposed.
Candidates
- Neil Staebler, representative from Michigan's at-large congressional district
General election
Candidates
Major party candidates
- George W. Romney & William Milliken, Republican
- Neil Staebler & Robert A. Derengoski, Democratic
Other candidates
- Frank Lovell & Harriet Talan, Socialist Workers
- Albert B. Cleage Jr. & James Jackson, Freedom Now
- James C. Horvath & W. Clifford Bentley, Socialist Labor
Results
Results by county
Delta County and Dickinson County voted Republican for the first time since 1930.
- Bay
- Delta
- Dickinson
- Genesee
- Macomb
- Marquette