Even after President Trump’s 2016 victory in Michigan, Democrats were optimistic about flipping the governorship and keeping their United States Senate seat in the state. Read more

Gretchen Whitmer, a former Democratic leader in the Michigan Senate, won her race for governor against Attorney General Bill Schuette, a Republican endorsed by Mr. Trump. The water crisis in Flint, Mich., and the sex crimes committed by Dr. Larry Nassar, the former U.S.A. Gymnastics team doctor, had been issues in the campaign.

Senator Debbie Stabenow, the Democratic incumbent, won a fourth term. She faced a challenge from John James, who had impressed Republicans in Michigan and nationally. Mr. James is a West Point graduate who served in Iraq and whom Mr. Trump has repeatedly praised.