The data shows that Michigan tends to have similar presidential preferences to states in the Northeast and Pacific Coast regions. Four of the five states with the most similar voting records are actually in the Northeast region. The state typically votes for Democratic candidates in close elections, but Republicans have won the state many times as well.
5 States with similar presidential preferences to Michigan
- Pennsylvania and Michigan voted for the same presidential candidates in every presidential election since 1944. The only exception was in 1976, when Michigan voted for Gerald Ford instead of Jimmy Carter. Gerald Ford’s home state was Michigan so this likely had a big effect on the voting. Both states have large populations of working-class voters, particularly in post-industrial areas. They tend to favor the Democratic Party.
- Connecticut is a state in the Northeast region, but it has voted similarly to Michigan in presidential elections. Since 1944, Connecticut and Michigan have only voted differently one time. Donald Trump won Michigan narrowly in 2016, while Hillary Clinton won Connecticut.
- Maine is another state in New England on this list. Since 1964, Michigan and Maine have preferred the same candidate in 14 out of the 15 elections. Like Connecticut, the only election that Maine and Michigan did not vote for the same candidate was in 2016.
- Illinois is another Midwestern state that borders Lake Michigan. In recent years, Illinois has skewed more towards the Democrats. However, since 1960, Illinois and Michigan have not voted for the same presidential candidate just twice. Hubert Humphrey won Michigan in 1968, but Nixon won Illinois. They also disagreed in 2016.
- New Jersey and Michigan are another pair of states that have only disagreed on the presidential candidate twice since 1960. Interestingly enough, Illinois and New Jersey have voted for the same candidates in every election since 1960. As a re
5 States with least similar presidential preferences to Michigan
Michigan Presidential Voting History
2020: Joe Biden (D)
2016: Donald Trump (R)
2012: Barack Obama (D)
2008: Barack Obama (D)
2004: John Kerry (D)
2000: Al Gore (D)
1996: Bill Clinton (D)
1992: Bill Clinton (D)
1988: George H. W. Bush (R)
1984: Ronald Reagan (R)
1980: Ronald Reagan (R)
1976: Gerald Ford (R)
1972: Richard Nixon (R)
1968: Hubert Humphrey (D)
1964: Lyndon B. Johnson (D)
1960: John F. Kennedy (D)