1978 United States gubernatorial elections

1978 United States gubernatorial elections

←  1977 November 7, 1978 1979  →
38 governorships 36 states; 2 territories
Majority party Minority party   Party Democratic Republican Seats before 37 12 Seats after 32 18 Seat change 5 6 Seats up 26 9 Seats won 21 15   Third party   Party Independent Seats before 1 Seats after 0 Seat change 1 Seats up 1 Seats won 0
Republican hold   Republican gain   Democratic hold   Democratic gain

United States gubernatorial elections were held on November 7, 1978, in 36 states and two territories. The Republicans had a net gain of six seats, Democrats sustained a net loss of five seats, and there would be no governors of any other parties following these elections.

This was the first year in which Illinois held a gubernatorial election in a midterm election year since 1846. The state of Illinois moved its gubernatorial election date from presidential election years to midterm congressional election years. This election coincided with the Senate and the House elections.

Election results

States

State	Incumbent	Party	First elected	Result	Candidates
Alabama	George Wallace	Democratic	1962 1966 (term-limited) 1970	Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y Fob James (Democratic) 72.6% [1] H. Guy Hunt (Republican) 25.9% Jim Partain (Prohibition) 1.1% Richard Dare (Independent) 0.5%
Alaska	Jay Hammond	Republican	1974	Incumbent re-elected.	Y Jay Hammond (Republican) 39.1% Wally Hickel (write-in) 26.4% Chancy Croft (Democratic) 20.2% Tom Kelly (Independent) 12.3% Don R. Wright (Alaskan Ind.) 1.9%
Arizona	Bruce Babbitt	Democratic	1978 [a]	Incumbent elected to full term.	Y Bruce Babbitt (Democratic) 52.5% Evan Mecham (Republican) 44.8% V. Gene Lewter (Libertarian) 1.9% Jessica Sampson (Socialist Workers) 0.8%
Arkansas	David Pryor	Democratic	1974	Incumbent retired. New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y Bill Clinton (Democratic) 63.4% Lynn Lowe (Republican) 36.6%
California	Jerry Brown	Democratic	1974	Incumbent re-elected.	Y Jerry Brown (Democratic) 56.1% Evelle J. Younger (Republican) 36.5% Ed Clark (Independent) 5.5% Marilyn Seals (PF) 1.0% Theresa F. Dietrich (AI) 1.0%
Colorado	Richard Lamm	Democratic	1974	Incumbent re-elected.	Y Richard Lamm (Democratic) 58.8% Ted L. Strickland (Republican) 38.5% Roy Peister (Tea) 1.7% Elsa Blum (Socialist Workers) 0.4% Sal Mandor (Independent) 0.3% Earl Dodge (Prohibition) 0.3%
Connecticut	Ella Grasso	Democratic	1974	Incumbent re-elected.	Y Ella Grasso (Democratic) 59.1% Ronald A. Sarasin (Republican) 40.7%
Florida	Reubin Askew	Democratic	1970	Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y Bob Graham (Democratic) 55.6% Jack Eckerd (Republican) 44.4%
Georgia	George Busbee	Democratic	1974	Incumbent re-elected.	Y George Busbee (Democratic) 80.7% Rodney M. Cook (Republican) 19.3%
Hawaii	George Ariyoshi	Democratic	1974	Incumbent re-elected.	Y George Ariyoshi (Democratic) 54.5% John R. Leopold (Republican) 44.3% Alema Leota (non-partisan) 0.7% Gregory Reeser (Libertarian) 0.4% John Moore (Aloha Democratic) 0.2%
Idaho	John Evans	Democratic	1978 [b]	Incumbent elected to full term.	Y John Evans (Democratic) 58.8% Allan Larsen (Republican) 39.6% Wayne Loveless (American) 1.7%
Illinois	James R. Thompson	Republican	1976	Incumbent re-elected.	Y James R. Thompson (Republican) 59.0% Michael Bakalis (Democratic) 40.1% Georgia Shields (Libertarian) 0.4% Cecil Lampkin (Socialist Workers) 0.4% Melvin Klenetsky (U.S. Labor) 0.2%
Iowa	Robert D. Ray	Republican	1968	Incumbent re-elected.	Y Robert D. Ray (Republican) 58.3% Jerome D. Fitzgerald (Democratic) 41.0% John Ball (Libertarian) 0.5% Joseph Grant (Socialist) 0.2%
Kansas	Robert F. Bennett	Republican	1974	Incumbent lost re-election. New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y John W. Carlin (Democratic) 49.4% Robert Frederick Bennett (Republican) 47.3% Frank W. Shelton Jr. (American) 2.3% Berry Beets (Prohibition) 1.0%
Maine	James B. Longley	Independent	1974	Incumbent retired. New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Joseph E. Brennan (Democratic) 47.7% Linwood E. Palmer Jr. (Republican) 34.3% Herman Franklin (Independent) 17.8% James B. Longley (write-in) 0.2%
Maryland	Marvin Mandel (Blair Lee III, acting governor)	Democratic	1969 (special)	Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y Harry Hughes (Democratic) 70.6% J. Glenn Beall Jr. (Republican) 29.4%
Massachusetts	Michael Dukakis	Democratic	1974	Incumbent lost re-nomination. New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y Edward J. King (Democratic) 52.5% Francis W. Hatch Jr. (Republican) 47.2%
Michigan	William Milliken	Republican	1969 [c]	Incumbent re-elected.	Y William Milliken (Republican) 56.8% William B. Fitzgerald Jr. (Democratic) 43.2%
Minnesota	Rudy Perpich	Democratic	1976 [d]	Incumbent lost election to full term. New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Al Quie (Republican) 52.3% Rudy Perpich (Democratic) 45.3% Richard Pedersen (American) 1.3% Jill Lakowske (Socialist Workers) 0.4% Tom McDonald (Honest Government) 0.3% Robin E. Miller (Libertarian) 0.2% Edwin C. Pommerening (Savings Account) 0.1%
Nebraska	J. James Exon	Democratic	1970	Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Charles Thone (Republican) 56.0% Gerald T. Whelan (Democratic) 44.0%
Nevada	Mike O'Callaghan	Democratic	1970	Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Robert List (Republican) 56.2% Robert E. Rose (Democratic) 39.7% Thomas F. Jefferson (Ind. American) 1.7% None of These Candidates1.7% John W. Grayson Jr. (Libertarian) 0.8%
New Hampshire	Meldrim Thomson Jr.	Republican	1972	Incumbent lost re-election. New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Hugh Gallen (Democratic) 49.4% Meldrim Thomson Jr. (Republican) 45.4% Wesley Powell (Independent) 4.6% Mabel Everett (Libertarian) 0.4% Ralph Brewster (Independent) 0.2%
New Mexico	Jerry Apodaca	Democratic	1974	Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y Bruce King (Democratic) 50.5% Joe Skeen (Republican) 49.4%
New York	Hugh Carey	Democratic	1974	Incumbent re-elected.	Y Hugh Carey (Democratic) 50.9% Perry B. Duryea Jr. (Republican) 45.2% Mary Jane Tobin (Right to Life) 2.7% Gary Greenberg (Libertarian) 0.4% Dianne M. Feeley (Socialist Workers) 0.3% Jarvis Tyner (Communist) 0.2% Paul Gallagher (U.S. Labor) 0.2%
Ohio	Jim Rhodes	Republican	1962 1970 (term-limited) 1974	Incumbent re-elected.	Y Jim Rhodes (Republican) 49.3% Dick Celeste (Democratic) 47.6% Patricia H. Wright (Independent) 1.2% John O'Neill (Independent) 1.0% Allan Friedman (Independent) 0.8%
Oklahoma	David Boren	Democratic	1970	Incumbent retired. New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y George Nigh (Democratic) 51.7% Ron Shotts (Republican) 47.2% Billy Joe Clegg (Independent) 0.5% Floyd Sheally (Independent) 0.3% Jim McCuiston (Independent) 0.2%
Oregon	Robert W. Straub	Democratic	1974	Incumbent lost re-election. New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Victor Atiyeh (Republican) 54.9% Robert W. Straub (Democratic) 45.1%
Pennsylvania	Milton Shapp	Democratic	1970	Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Dick Thornburgh (Republican) 52.5% Peter F. Flaherty (Democratic) 46.4% Mark Zola (Socialist Workers) 0.5% Lee Frissell (Consumer) 0.5%
Rhode Island	J. Joseph Garrahy	Democratic	1976	Incumbent re-elected.	Y J. Joseph Garrahy (Democratic) 62.8% Lincoln Almond (Republican) 30.7% Joseph A. Doorley Jr. (Independent) 6.5%
South Carolina	James B. Edwards	Republican	1974	Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Richard Riley (Democratic) 61.9% Edward Lunn Young (Republican) 38.1%
South Dakota	Harvey L. Wollman	Democratic	1978 [e]	Incumbent lost nomination. New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Bill Janklow (Republican) 56.6% Roger D. McKellips (Democratic) 43.4%
Tennessee	Ray Blanton	Democratic	1974	Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Lamar Alexander (Republican) 55.8% Jake Butcher (Democratic) 44.2%
Texas	Dolph Briscoe	Democratic	1972	Incumbent lost re-nomination. New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Bill Clements (Republican) 50.0% John Hill (Democratic) 49.2% Mario Compean (La Raza Unida) 0.6% Sara Jean Johnston (Socialist Workers) 0.2%
Vermont	Richard A. Snelling	Republican	1972	Incumbent re-elected.	Y Richard A. Snelling (Republican) 62.8% Edwin C. Granai (Democratic) 34.1% Earl S. Gardner (Liberty Union) 2.9%
Wisconsin	Martin J. Schreiber	Democratic	1977 [f]	Incumbent lost election to full term. New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Lee S. Dreyfus (Republican) 54.4% Martin J. Schreiber (Democratic) 44.9% Eugene R. Zimmerman (Constitution) 0.4% John C. Doherty (Independent) 0.1% Adrienne Kaplan (Socialist Workers) 0.1% Henry A. Ochsner (Socialist Labor) 0.1%
Wyoming	Edgar Herschler	Democratic	1974	Incumbent re-elected.	Y Edgar Herschler (Democratic) 50.9% John C. Ostlund (Republican) 49.1%

Territories and federal district

Territory	Incumbent	Party	First elected	Result	Candidates
District of Columbia	Walter Washington	Democratic	1974	Incumbent lost renomination. New mayor elected. Democratic hold.	Y Marion Barry (Democratic) 70.2% Arthur Fletcher (Republican) 28.1% Susan Pennington (U.S. Labor) 1.1%
Guam	Ricardo Bordallo	Democratic	1974	Incumbent lost re-election. New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Paul M. Calvo (Republican) 52.1% Ricardo Bordallo (Democratic) 47.9%
U.S. Virgin Island	Juan Francisco Luis	ICM	1978 [g]	Incumbent elected to full term.	Y Juan Francisco Luis (ICM) 59.19% Ron de Lugo (Democratic) 40.81%

Close states

States where the margin of victory was under 1%:

1. Texas, 0.8%

States where the margin of victory was under 5%:

1. New Mexico, 1.1%
2. Ohio, 1.7%
3. Wyoming, 1.8%
4. Kansas, 2.1%
5. New Hampshire, 4.0%
6. Guam, 4.2%
7. Oklahoma, 4.5%

States where the margin of victory was under 10%:

1. Massachusetts, 5.3%
2. New York, 5.7%
3. Pennsylvania, 6.1%
4. Minnesota, 7.0%
5. Arizona, 7.7%
6. Wisconsin, 9.5%
7. Oregon, 9.8%

Alabama

1978 Alabama gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Fob James H. Guy Hunt Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 551,786 196,963 Percentage 72.6% 25.9%

County results James:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90% Hunt:      50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election George Wallace Democratic Elected Governor Fob James Democratic

The 1978 Alabama gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978, to elect the governor of Alabama. Fob James, a businessman who had switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party and campaigned as a "born-again Democrat", won the Democratic primary in an upset over Attorney General Bill Baxley. He went on to defeat Guy Hunt in a landslide in the general election. Incumbent Democrat George Wallace was term limited and could not seek a third consecutive term; he later successfully ran again in 1982.

Alaska

1978 Alaska gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Jay Hammond Wally Hickel Party Republican Write-In Running mate Terry Miller None Popular vote 49,580 33,555 Percentage 39.07% 26.44%   Nominee Chancy Croft Tom Kelly Party Democratic Independent Running mate Katie Hurley Kathryn Poland Popular vote 25,656 15,656 Percentage 20.22% 12.34%

Results by state house district Hammond:     30–40%     40–50%     50–60% Hickel:     30–40% Croft:     30–40%

Governor before election Jay Hammond Republican Elected Governor Jay Hammond Republican

The 1978 Alaska gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978, to elect the governor of Alaska. Republican incumbent Jay Hammond defeated four opponents: former Governor of Alaska and write-in candidate Wally Hickel, Alaska Senator and Democratic nominee Chancy Croft, former Commissioner of Natural Resources and Independent candidate Tom Kelly and Alaskan Independence Party nominee Don Wright. After losing to Hammond in the Republican primary, Hickel ran as a write-in candidate and was able to outperform Croft. Republican Tom Fink and Democrat Jay Kerttula also ran in the open primary.

This was the first time an incumbent Republican governor was re-elected for a second term, and this would not occur again until 2022.

Arizona

1978 Arizona gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Bruce Babbitt Evan Mecham Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 282,605 241,093 Percentage 52.5% 44.8%

County results Babbitt:      50–60%     60–70% Mecham:      40–50%     50–60%

Governor before election Bruce Babbitt Democratic Elected Governor Bruce Babbitt Democratic

The 1978 Arizona gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978, for the post of Governor of Arizona. Democrat Bruce Babbitt defeated Republican nominee Evan Mecham. Babbitt was the former Attorney General of Arizona, but after the death of Governor Wesley Bolin, Babbit became governor. Bolin himself ascended to office from the position of Secretary of State, meaning his replacement, Rose Mofford was not eligible to the office as she was not elected. This drama of exchanging office would continue after Babbitt's term came to an end, as Mofford would become governor and succeeded Evan Mecham, Babbitt's challenger, in 1988.

Arkansas

1978 Arkansas gubernatorial election

←  1976 November 7, 1978 1980  →

Nominee Bill Clinton Lynn Lowe Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 335,101 193,746 Percentage 63.36% 36.64%

County results Clinton:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90% Lowe:     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election David Pryor Democratic Elected Governor Bill Clinton Democratic

The 1978 Arkansas gubernatorial election, held on November 7, was the first time that future president Bill Clinton was elected Governor of Arkansas.

California

1978 California gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Jerry Brown Evelle Younger Ed Clark Party Democratic Republican Independent Popular vote 3,878,812 2,526,534 377,960 Percentage 56.05% 36.50% 5.46%

County results Congressional district results Brown:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90% Younger:      40–50%     50–60%

Governor before election Jerry Brown Democratic Elected Governor Jerry Brown Democratic

The 1978 California gubernatorial election occurred on November 7, 1978. The Democratic incumbent, Jerry Brown, defeated the Republican nominee Attorney General Evelle J. Younger and independent candidate Ed Clark in a landslide.

Colorado

1978 Colorado gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Richard Lamm Ted L. Strickland Party Democratic Republican Running mate Nancy Dick Hank Brown Popular vote 483,985 317,292 Percentage 58.76% 38.53%

County results Lamm:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Strickland:     40–50%     50–60%

Governor before election Richard Lamm Democratic Elected Governor Richard Lamm Democratic

The 1978 Colorado gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Democrat Richard Lamm defeated Republican nominee Ted L. Strickland with 58.76% of the vote.

Connecticut

1978 Connecticut gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Ella Grasso Ronald Sarasin Party Democratic Republican Running mate Bill O'Neill Lewis Rome Popular vote 613,109 422,316 Percentage 59.15% 40.74%

County results Municipality results Grasso:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Moffett:     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election Ella Grasso Democratic Elected Governor Ella Grasso Democratic

The 1978 Connecticut gubernatorial election was held on Tuesday November 7, to elect Governor of Connecticut, Incumbent Governor Ella Grasso and running mate William A. O'Neill defeated Republican candidate Ronald A. Sarasin and running mate Lewis Rome with 59.15% of the vote.

Florida

1978 Florida gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Bob Graham Jack Eckerd Party Democratic Republican Running mate Wayne Mixson Paula Hawkins Popular vote 1,406,580 1,123,888 Percentage 55.59% 44.41%

County results Graham:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90% Eckerd:      50-60%     60-70%

Governor before election Reubin Askew Democratic Elected Governor Bob Graham Democratic

The 1978 Florida gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Democratic nominee Bob Graham was elected, defeating Republican nominee Jack Eckerd with 55.59% of the vote.

Georgia

1978 Georgia gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee George Busbee Rodney Mims Cook Sr. Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 534,572 128,139 Percentage 80.7% 19.3%

County results Busbee:     50–60%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%

Governor before election George Busbee Democratic Elected Governor George Busbee Democratic

The 1978 Georgia gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. George Busbee was re-elected, the first time a Governor of Georgia was re-elected for a second four-year term under the amendment made to the constitution in 1976 and the first time overall after serving a complete first four-year term.

Hawaii

1978 Hawaii gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee George Ariyoshi John Leopold Party Democratic Republican Running mate Jean King Virginia Isbell Popular vote 153,394 124,610 Percentage 54.5% 44.3%

County results Ariyoshi:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Governor before election George Ariyoshi Democratic Elected Governor George Ariyoshi Democratic

The 1978 Hawaii gubernatorial election was Hawaii's sixth gubernatorial election. The election was held on November 7, 1978, and resulted in a victory for the Democratic candidate, Governor George Ariyoshi over Republican candidate, State Senator John R. Leopold ^[2] and three other candidates. Ariyoshi received more votes than any other candidate in every county in the state. ^[3]

Idaho

1978 Idaho gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee John Evans Allan Larsen Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 169,540 114,149 Percentage 58.75% 39.56%

County results Evans:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Larsen:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Governor before election John Evans Democratic Elected Governor John V. Evans Democratic

The 1978 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on Tuesday, November 7, and incumbent Democrat John Evans defeated Republican nominee Allan Larsen with 58.75% of the vote.

Illinois

1978 Illinois gubernatorial election

←  1976 November 7, 1978 1982  →
Turnout	54.23% 19.95 pp
Nominee Jim Thompson Michael Bakalis Party Republican Democratic Running mate Dave O'Neal Dick Durbin Popular vote 1,859,684 1,263,134 Percentage 59.04% 40.10%
County results Thompson:     50-60%     60-70%     70-80% Bakalis:     40–50%     50–60%
Governor before election James R. Thompson Republican Elected Governor James R. Thompson Republican

The 1978 Illinois gubernatorial election was held on Tuesday, November 7, 1978. ^[4] Republican James R. Thompson easily won a second term in office, defeating Democratic nominee Michael Bakalis by nearly 600,000 votes.

Iowa

1978 Iowa gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Robert D. Ray Jerome D. Fitzgerald Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 491,713 345,519 Percentage 58.3% 41.0%

County results Ray:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Fitzgerald:     50–60%

Governor before election Robert D. Ray Republican Elected Governor Robert D. Ray Republican

The 1978 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican Robert D. Ray defeated Democratic nominee Jerome D. Fitzgerald with 58.32% of the vote.

Kansas

1978 Kansas gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee John W. Carlin Robert F. Bennett Party Democratic Republican Running mate Paul Dugan Larry Montgomery Popular vote 363,835 348,015 Percentage 49.4% 47.3%

County results Carlin:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70% Bennett:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election Robert Frederick Bennett Republican Elected Governor John W. Carlin Democratic

The 1978 Kansas gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Democratic nominee John W. Carlin defeated incumbent Republican Robert Frederick Bennett with 49.4% of the vote.

Maine

1978 Maine gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Joseph Brennan Linwood E. Palmer Jr. Herman C. Frankland Party Democratic Republican Independent Popular vote 176,493 126,862 65,889 Percentage 47.8% 34.4% 17.8%

County results Brennan:     40–50%     50–60% Palmer:     30–40%     40–50%     50–60%

Governor before election James B. Longley Independent Elected Governor Joseph Brennan Democratic

The 1978 Maine gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Independent Governor James B. Longley had promised to not seek a second term when he was elected in 1974, and held true to his pledge. Former State Senator Joseph E. Brennan of the Democratic Party defeated both challenger Republican Linwood E. Palmer Jr. and right-wing independent candidate Herman Frankland. Richard Carey unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination, while Charles Cragin unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination.

Maryland

1978 Maryland gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Harry Hughes John Glenn Beall Jr. Party Democratic Republican Running mate Samuel Bogley Aris T. Allen Popular vote 705,910 293,635 Percentage 70.62% 29.38%

County results Hughes:     50-60%     60-70%     70-80%     80–90% Beall:     50-60%     60-70%

Governor before election Marvin Mandel Democratic Elected Governor Harry Hughes Democratic

The 1978 Maryland gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Democratic nominee Harry Hughes defeated Republican nominee John Glenn Beall Jr. with 70.62% of the vote.

Massachusetts

1978 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →
Turnout	78.97% 4.33 [5]
Nominee Edward J. King Francis W. Hatch Jr. Party Democratic Republican Running mate Thomas O'Neill III William I. Cowin Popular vote 1,030,294 926,072 Percentage 52.51% 47.19%
County results Municipality results King:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Hatch:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90% Tie:     40–50%
Governor before election Michael Dukakis Democratic Elected Governor Edward J. King Democratic

The 1978 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Former Massachusetts Port Authority executive director Edward J. King was elected to a four-year term, from January 4, 1979, until January 6, 1983. ^[6] King won the Democratic nomination by defeating incumbent governor of Massachusetts Michael Dukakis in the Democratic primary. ^[7]

Michigan

1978 Michigan gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 2, 1978 1982  →

Nominee William Milliken William B. Fitzgerald Jr. Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,628,485 1,237,256 Percentage 56.8% 43.1%

County results Milliken:     50–60%     60–70%     70-80% Fitzgerald:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Governor before election William Milliken Republican Elected Governor William Milliken Republican

The 1978 Michigan gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican William Milliken was elected to a third term as Michigan Governor.

Minnesota

1978 Minnesota gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Al Quie Rudy Perpich Party Ind.-Republican Democratic (DFL) Running mate Lou Wangberg Alec Olson Popular vote 830,019 718,244 Percentage 52.35% 45.30%

County results Quie:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Perpich:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election Rudy Perpich Democratic (DFL) Elected Governor Al Quie Ind.-Republican

The 1978 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978. Independent-Republican Party candidate U.S. House Rep Al Quie defeated Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party incumbent Rudy Perpich.

Nebraska

1978 Nebraska gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Charles Thone Gerald T. Whelan Party Republican Democratic Running mate Roland Luedtke Orval Keyes Popular vote 275,473 216,754 Percentage 55.9% 44.0%

County results Thone:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%      80–90% Whelan:     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election J. James Exon Democratic Elected Governor Charles Thone Republican

The 1978 Nebraska gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, and featured U.S. Representative Charles Thone, a Republican, defeating Democratic nominee, Lieutenant Governor Gerald T. Whelan. Incumbent Governor J. James Exon, a Democrat, was barred from seeking a third term. Exon was elected to the U.S. Senate that same day.

Nevada

1978 Nevada gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07) 1982  →

Nominee Robert List Robert E. Rose Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 108,097 76,361 Percentage 56.2% 39.7%

County results List:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70% Rose:     50–60%

Governor before election Mike O'Callaghan Democratic Elected Governor Robert List Republican

The 1978 Nevada gubernatorial election occurred on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Democratic governor Mike O'Callaghan was term limited. Republican nominee Robert List was elected Governor of Nevada, defeating Democratic nominee Robert E. Rose. Jack Lund Schofield unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination.

New Hampshire

1978 New Hampshire gubernatorial election

←  1976 November 7, 1978 1980  →

Nominee Hugh Gallen Meldrim Thomson Jr. Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 133,133 122,464 Percentage 49.38% 45.43%

County results Municipality results Gallen:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90% Thomson:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90% Brewster:     >90% No Data/Vote:

Governor before election Meldrim Thomson Jr. Republican Elected Governor Hugh Gallen Democratic

The 1978 New Hampshire gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican governor Meldrim Thomson Jr., who defeated former governor Wesley Powell for the Republican nomination, ran for a fourth term in office, but was defeated by former State Representative Hugh Gallen.

New Mexico

1978 New Mexico gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Bruce King Joe Skeen Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 174,631 170,848 Percentage 50.55% 49.45%

County results King:     50–60%     60–70% Skeen:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Governor before election Jerry Apodaca Democratic Elected Governor Bruce King Democratic

The 1978 New Mexico gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978, in order to elect the Governor of New Mexico. Due to term limits, incumbent Democrat Jerry Apodaca was ineligible to seek a second term as governor. Bruce King, a member of the Democratic Party who had previously served as governor from 1971 to 1975, won the open seat.

New York

1978 New York gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Hugh Carey Perry Duryea Party Democratic Republican Alliance Liberal Conservative Running mate Mario Cuomo Bruce Caputo Popular vote 2,429,272 2,156,404 Percentage 50.95% 45.22%

County results Carey:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Duryea:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election Hugh Carey Democratic Elected Governor Hugh Carey Democratic

The 1978 New York gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978 to elect the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New York. It was the first reelection of a Democratic governor in New York since 1938.

Ohio

1978 Ohio gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Jim Rhodes Dick Celeste Party Republican Democratic Running mate George Voinovich Michael J. Dorrian Popular vote 1,402,167 1,354,631 Percentage 49.31% 47.64%

County results Rhodes:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70% Celeste:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election Jim Rhodes Republican Elected Governor Jim Rhodes Republican

The 1978 Ohio gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican Jim Rhodes defeated Democratic nominee Dick Celeste with 49.31% of the vote.

Oklahoma

1978 Oklahoma gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee George Nigh Ron Shotts Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 402,240 367,055 Percentage 51.7% 47.2%

County results Nigh:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Shotts:     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election David Boren Democratic Elected Governor George Nigh Democratic

The 1978 Oklahoma gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, to elect the next governor of Oklahoma. Incumbent Democratic governor David Boren chose not to run for re-election to a second term in office. Instead, Boren decided to run for the United States Senate. Former governor, and sitting lieutenant governor George Nigh was elected, defeating Republican nominee Ron Shotts.

Oregon

1978 Oregon gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Victor Atiyeh Robert Straub Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 498,452 409,411 Percentage 54.9% 45.1%

County results Atiyeh:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Straub:     50–60%

Governor before election Robert Straub Democratic Elected Governor Victor Atiyeh Republican

The 1978 Oregon gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978. In a rematch of the 1974 contest, Republican nominee Victor Atiyeh defeated Democratic incumbent Robert Straub to win the election.

Pennsylvania

1978 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07) 1982  →

Nominee Dick Thornburgh Pete Flaherty Party Republican Democratic Running mate Bill Scranton III Robert P. Casey Popular vote 1,966,042 1,737,888 Percentage 52.54% 46.44%

County results Thornburgh:     40-50%     50-60%     60-70%     70-80% Flaherty:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election Milton Shapp Democratic Elected Governor Dick Thornburgh Republican

The 1978 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Governor Milton Shapp was constitutionally ineligible to run for a third consecutive term in office. Republican Dick Thornburgh defeated Democrat Pete Flaherty in the general election.

Rhode Island

1978 Rhode Island gubernatorial election

←  1976 November 7, 1978 1980  →

Nominee J. Joseph Garrahy Lincoln Almond Joseph A. Doorley Jr. Party Democratic Republican Independent Popular vote 197,386 96,596 20,381 Percentage 62.79% 30.73% 6.48%

County results Municipality results Garrahy:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Almond:      50–60%

Governor before election J. Joseph Garrahy Democratic Elected Governor J. Joseph Garrahy Democratic

The 1978 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Democrat J. Joseph Garrahy defeated Republican nominee and future governor Lincoln Almond with 62.79% of the vote.

South Carolina

1978 South Carolina gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Richard Riley Edward Lunn Young Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 384,898 236,946 Percentage 61.3% 37.7%

County results Riley:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Young:      50–60%

Governor before election James B. Edwards Republican Elected Governor Richard Riley Democratic

The 1978 South Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978 to select the governor of the state of South Carolina. Richard Riley, the Democratic nominee, defeated Republican Edward Lunn Young and became the 111th governor of South Carolina.

South Dakota

1978 South Dakota gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07) 1982  →

Nominee Bill Janklow Roger D. McKellips Party Republican Democratic Running mate Lowell Hansen Billie Sutton Popular vote 147,116 112,679 Percentage 56.6% 43.4%

County results Janklow:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% McKellips:     50–60%     60–70%     80–90%

Governor before election Harvey Wollman Democratic Elected Governor Bill Janklow Republican

The 1978 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, to elect a Governor of South Dakota. Republican nominee Bill Janklow was elected, defeating Democratic nominee Roger D. McKellips.

Tennessee

1978 Tennessee gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Lamar Alexander Jake Butcher Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 661,959 523,495 Percentage 55.84% 44.16%

County results Alexander:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Butcher:     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election Ray Blanton Democratic Elected Governor Lamar Alexander Republican

The 1978 Tennessee gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, to elect the next governor of Tennessee. Although the Tennessee State Constitution had been amended in early 1978 to allow a governor to succeed himself, Incumbent Democratic governor Ray Blanton chose not to seek re-election amid several scandals. Republican Lamar Alexander once again ran for governor. In the general election, Alexander defeated Democratic nominee Jake Butcher with 55.8% of the vote.

Texas

1978 Texas gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Bill Clements John Luke Hill Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,183,828 1,166,919 Percentage 50.0% 49.2%

County results Clements:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80% Hill:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90% Compeán:     50–60%

Governor before election Dolph Briscoe Democratic Elected Governor Bill Clements Republican

The 1978 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, to elect the governor of Texas. In a surprising upset, Republican Bill Clements was narrowly elected over Democratic State Attorney General John Luke Hill, winning 50% of the vote to Hill's 49%. In doing so, Clements became the first Republican to be elected governor since Reconstruction in 1869.

Vermont

1978 Vermont gubernatorial election

←  1976 November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07) 1980  →

Nominee Richard Snelling Edwin Granai Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 78,181 42,482 Percentage 62.8% 34.1%

County results Municipality results Snelling:     40-50%     50-60%     60-70%     70-80%     80-90%     >90% Granai:     40-50%     50-60%

Governor before election Richard Snelling Republican Elected Governor Richard Snelling Republican

The 1978 Vermont gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Republican Richard Snelling ran successfully for a second term as Governor of Vermont, defeating Democratic candidate Edwin Granai. As of 2014 ^[update] , this was the most recent Vermont gubernatorial election in which both major party candidates are now deceased. ^[8]

Wisconsin

1978 Wisconsin gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Lee S. Dreyfus Martin J. Schreiber Party Republican Democratic Running mate Russell A. Olson Douglas J. La Follette Popular vote 816,056 673,813 Percentage 54.37% 44.89%

County results Dreyfus:     50–60%     60–70% Schreiber:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Governor before election Martin J. Schreiber Democratic Elected Governor Lee S. Dreyfus Republican

The 1978 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Republican Lee S. Dreyfus won the election with 54% of the vote, winning his first term as Governor of Wisconsin and defeating incumbent Democrat Martin J. Schreiber. ^[9] Bob Kasten unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination.

Wyoming

1978 Wyoming gubernatorial election

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Edgar Herschler John Ostlund Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 69,972 67,595 Percentage 50.86% 49.14%

County results Herschler:     50–60%     60–70% Ostlund:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Governor before election Edgar Herschler Democratic Elected Governor Edgar Herschler Democratic

The 1978 Wyoming gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Democratic Governor Edgar Herschler ran for re-election to a second term. After winning a contested Democratic primary, he advanced to the general election, where he faced former State Senator John Ostlund, the Republican nominee. Despite the strong Republican performance nationwide, Herschler's personal popularity allowed him to narrowly win re-election to Ostlund, making him the first Democratic Governor to win re-election since Lester C. Hunt in 1946.

Territories and federal district

District of Columbia

1978 United States gubernatorial elections

←  1974 November 7, 1978 1982  →

Nominee Marion Barry Arthur Fletcher Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 68,354 27,366 Percentage 70.2% 28.1%

Mayor before election Walter Washington Democratic Elected mayor Marion Barry Democratic

On November 7, 1978, Washington, D.C., held the second election for its mayor as a result of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The primary election of the Democratic Party (the most important contest in the race, as 90% of the District's voters were registered Democrats) ^[10] took place on Tuesday, September 12, with At-Large Councilman Marion Barry defeating incumbent mayor Walter E. Washington and Council Chair Sterling Tucker to become the Democratic nominee for Mayor. Barry defeated Republican nominee Arthur Fletcher and two marginal candidates in the general election on November 7, 1978.

Guam

Guam election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Paul M. Calvo	{{{votes}}}	52.1%
	Democratic	Ricardo Bordallo	{{{votes}}}	47.9%
Total votes			{{{votes}}}	100.00
	Republican gain from Democratic

U.S. Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Independent	Juan Francisco Luis	{{{votes}}}	59.19%
	Democratic	Ron de Lugo	{{{votes}}}	40.81%
Total votes			{{{votes}}}	100.00
	Independent hold

See also

• 1978 United States elections
  • 1978 United States Senate elections
  • 1978 United States House of Representatives elections

References

1. Flowers, Steve. "How Fob James pulled off an amazing upset in the 1978 governor's race - INSIDE THE STATEHOUSE". eu.tuscaloosanews.com. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
2. "Candidate – John R. Leopold". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 23, 2013.
3. "HI Governor Race – Nov 07, 1978". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 23, 2013.
4. "OFFICIAL VOTE Cast at the GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 7, 1978" (PDF). Illinois State Board of Elections. Retrieved June 25, 2020.^{[ permanent dead link ]}
5. "Massachusetts gubernatorial election, 1978".
6. "Our Campaigns - MA Governor Race - Nov 07, 1978".
7. "Our Campaigns - MA Governor - D Primary Race - Sep 19, 1978".
8. "Edwin Granai Obituary (2014) The Record". Legacy.com. Retrieved December 25, 2021.
9. Joint Committee on Legislative Organization, Wisconsin Legislature (2015). Wisconsin Blue Book 2015-2016. Madison, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Department of Administration. pp. 699–701. ISBN   978-0-9752820-7-6.
10. Jaffe, Harry S.; Sherwood, Tom (1994). Dream City: Race, Power, and the Decline of Washington . Simon & Schuster. ISBN   0-671-76846-8.

Notes

1. Babbitt took office after his predecessor (Wesley Bolin) died.
2. Evans took office after his predecessor (Cecil Andrus) resigned.
3. Milliken took office after his predecessor (George W. Romney) resigned.
4. Perpich took office after his predecessor (Wendell R. Anderson) resigned.
5. Wollman took office after his predecessor (Richard F. Kneip) resigned.
6. Schreiber took office after his predecessor (Patrick Lucey) resigned.
7. Luis took office after his predecessor (Cyril E. King) died.