1978 Ohio gubernatorial election

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

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.

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on June 6, 1978.

Democratic primary

Candidates

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

Results

Democratic primary results

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

Republican primary

Candidates

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

Results

Republican primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Jim Rhodes (incumbent)	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

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Jim Rhodes (incumbent)	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