1978 Ohio gubernatorial election

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.

1978 Ohio gubernatorial election

November 7, 1978

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

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on June 6, 1978.[1]

Candidates

• Dick Celeste, incumbent Lieutenant Governor
• Dale R. Reusch

Results

Democratic primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Dick Celeste	491,524	84.80
	Democratic	Dale R. Reusch	88,134	15.20
Total votes			579,658	100.00

Candidates

• Jim Rhodes, incumbent Governor
• Charles Kurfess, State Representative

Results

Republican primary results[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Jim Rhodes	393,632	67.73
	Republican	Charles Kurfess	187,544	32.27
Total votes			581,176	100.00

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

• Jim Rhodes, Republican
• Dick Celeste, Democratic

Other candidates

• Patricia Wright, Independent
• John O'Neill, Independent
• Allan Friedman, Independent

Results

1978 Ohio gubernatorial election[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Jim Rhodes	1,402,167	49.31%	+0.69%
	Democratic	Dick Celeste	1,354,631	47.64%	-0.61%
	Independent	Patricia Wright	35,164	1.24%	N/A
	Independent	John O'Neill	29,413	1.03%	N/A
	Independent	Allan Friedman	21,951	0.77%	N/A
Majority			47,536
Turnout			2,843,326
	Republican hold		Swing

References

1. "Democratic Primary: June 6, 1978". Sos.state.oh.us. Retrieved 2018-10-08.
2. "Republican Primary: June 6, 1978". Sos.state.oh.us. Retrieved 2018-10-08.
3. "General Election Overview: November 7, 1978". Sos.state.oh.us. Retrieved 2018-10-08.