James J. Blanchard (born 1942) is a former Democratic congressman and governor from Michigan (USA). Blanchard was a U.S Congressman (D-Pleasant Ridge) from Michigan (1975-1983). He defeated Republican state representative Richard Headlee in the 1982 Governor's race. Blanchard served two terms as governor (1983-1991) until his defeat by Republican state senator John Engler in 1990. President Bill Clinton appointed him Ambassador to Canada a few years later (1993-1996).
