1978 Wyoming gubernatorial election

Summary

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.

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

Democratic primary edit

Candidates edit

Results edit

Democratic primary[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Edgar Herschler (incumbent) 28,406 65.28%
Democratic Margaret McKinstry 15,111 34.72%
Total votes 43,517 100.00%

Republican primary edit

Candidates edit

  • John Ostlund, former State Senator[3]
  • Gus Fleischli, former State Representative[4]
  • Jim Bace, real estate agent[5]

Results edit

Republican primary[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Ostlund 40,251 58.95%
Republican Gus Fleischli 24,824 36.35%
Republican Jim Bace 3,209 4.70%
Total votes 68,284 100.00%

Results edit

1978 Wyoming gubernatorial election[2]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Edgar Herschler (incumbent) 69,972 50.86% -5.02%
Republican John Ostlund 67,595 49.14% +5.02%
Majority 2,377 1.73% -10.03%
Turnout 137,567
Democratic hold

References edit

  1. ^ "UW home economist will run for governor". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. June 17, 1978. p. 11.
  2. ^ a b c Thomson, Thyra (1979). 1979 Wyoming Official Directory and 1978 Election Returns. pp. 132, 201.
  3. ^ McAuley, Phil (May 10, 1978). "Ostlund announces for governor". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. p. 1.
  4. ^ "Fleischli tosses his hat in the ring". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. February 8, 1978. p. 1.
  5. ^ "Realtor eyes governorship". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. March 28, 1978. p. 11.