1980 New Hampshire Republican presidential primary

Last updated May 07, 2025

The 1980 New Hampshire Republican presidential primary was held on February 26, 1980, in New Hampshire as one of the Republican Party's statewide nomination contests ahead of the 1980 United States presidential election. The contest drew national attention following George H. W. Bush's unexpected victory in the Iowa caucuses, which The New York Times had dubbed "the upset of the century."^[1] Despite this earlier setback, Ronald Reagan would go on to win New Hampshire decisively, securing 72,983 votes (50.2%) compared to Bush's 33,443 (23.0%), with Howard Baker of Tennessee finishing third with 18,943 votes (13.0%) and John B. Anderson of Illinois taking fourth with 14,458 votes (10.0%).^[2]

Background

Previous Contest

The Iowa results had shaken confidence in Reagan's frontrunner status and energized Bush's campaign operation. During the Iowa campaign, Bush had memorably criticized Reagan's economic proposals as "voodoo economics," a phrase that crystallized the growing tension between the two leading candidates.^[3] This criticism particularly resonated with moderate Republicans who shared Bush's skepticism about Reagan's bold economic promises.

Campaign Dynamics

Following the Iowa setback, Reagan's campaign undertook a major strategic shift. The former Governor of California increased his direct voter contact, scheduling numerous town halls and personal appearances across the Granite State. In a dramatic move just before the primary, Reagan dismissed his campaign manager John Sears, marking a significant change in campaign leadership that would alter the race's dynamics.^[4]

Campaign

Debate Controversy

The campaign's defining moment came during a debate in Nashua on February 23, 1980. What was originally planned as a one-on-one debate between Reagan and Bush, sponsored by the Nashua Telegraph, became a flashpoint of controversy when Reagan invited other Republican candidates to participate. This led to a tense confrontation with the newspaper's editor, Jon Breen, who was serving as moderator.^[5]

The situation reached its climax when Breen attempted to have Reagan's microphone cut off. Reagan responded with what would become one of the most memorable lines of the 1980 campaign: "I am paying for this microphone, Mr. Green [sic]!" The Washington Post reported that this moment demonstrated Reagan's commanding presence and quick wit, qualities that resonated strongly with New Hampshire voters.^[6]

Key Issues

Economic concerns dominated the primary campaign, with inflation and unemployment at the forefront of voter concerns.^[7] Reagan advocated for substantial tax cuts and reduced government regulation, while Bush promoted a more moderate economic approach. The ongoing Iran hostage crisis shaped foreign policy discussions, forcing candidates to outline their proposed responses to the situation in Tehran.^[8]

Results

Reagan's victory in New Hampshire proved both decisive and comprehensive. The Boston Globe reported that his commanding performance, winning 50.2% of the vote, set the stage for upcoming contests across the South.^[9] Analysis of voting patterns showed Reagan performed particularly well in rural regions and among conservative voters, while Bush maintained stronger support in the more moderate suburban areas around Manchester and Nashua.^[10]

The final delegate count gave Reagan 15 delegates to the Republican National Convention, while Bush received 5 delegates and Baker earned 2 delegates.^[11]

Aftermath

The New Hampshire victory transformed the trajectory of Reagan's campaign. Political analysts Germond and Witcover noted that the win effectively erased concerns about his candidacy that had emerged after the Iowa defeat and reestablished him as the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination.^[12]

While Bush's second-place finish kept him viable as Reagan's primary challenger, Baker's distant third-place showing effectively ended his hopes for the nomination, though he would remain in the race through March.^[13] The "microphone moment" from the Nashua debate became a defining symbol of Reagan's campaign's renewed energy and determination, setting the tone for his eventual march to the nomination.^[14]

References

↑ Apple Jr., R.W. (January 22, 1980). "Bush Scores Upset Victory in Iowa". The New York Times. p. A1.
↑ New Hampshire Department of State (1981). Manual for the General Court. Concord, N.H.: Department of State. p. 43.
↑ Pemberton, William E. (1998). Exit with Honor: The Life and Presidency of Ronald Reagan. M.E. Sharpe. p. 112. ISBN 978-0765600967.
↑ Shirley, Craig (2005). Reagan's Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All. Thomas Nelson. p. 178. ISBN 978-0785260493.
↑ Cannon, Lou (1982). Reagan. New York: Putnam. p. 235. ISBN 978-0399126277.
↑ Broder, David S. (February 24, 1980). "Reagan Triumphs in Nashua Debate Showdown". The Washington Post. p. A1.
↑ Schram, Martin (February 20, 1980). "Economic Issues Dominate New Hampshire Campaign". The Washington Post. p. A12.
↑ Smith, Andrew E. (2015). The First Primary: New Hampshire's Outsize Role in Presidential Nominations. University Press of New England. p. 187. ISBN 978-1611687781.
↑ Wilkins, Richard W. (February 27, 1980). "Reagan Landslide in New Hampshire Sets Stage for Southern Contests". The Boston Globe. p. 1.
↑ Raines, Howell (February 28, 1980). "Reagan's Victory Analysis Shows Broad Support Across State". The New York Times. p. B7.
↑ New Hampshire Department of State (March 1980). Official Return of Votes for New Hampshire Presidential Primary (Report).
↑ Germond, Jack W.; Witcover, Jules (1981). Blue Smoke and Mirrors: How Reagan Won and Why Carter Lost the Election of 1980. Viking Press. p. 156.
↑ Witcover, Jules (1981). Marathon: The Pursuit of the Presidency, 1980. Viking Press. p. 178.
↑ Hayward, Steven F. (2001). The Age of Reagan: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order, 1964-1980. Prima Publishing. p. 595.