Wikiwand AI

1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey were held on November 7, 1978, to determine who would represent the people of New Jersey in the United States House of Representatives. This election coincided with national elections for U.S. House and U.S. Senate. New Jersey had fifteen seats in the House, apportioned according to the 1970 United States census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms.

Quick facts All 15 New Jersey seats to the United States House of Representatives, Turnout ...
1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey

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

All 15 New Jersey seats to the United States House of Representatives
Turnout57%[1] (Decrease 24pp)
  Majority party Minority party
 
Party Democratic Republican
Last election 11 4
Seats won 10 5
Seat change Decrease1 Increase1
Popular vote 1,043,747 837,783
Percentage 54.0% 43.3%
Swing Decrease 0.7pp Steady

Close

Overview

More information Party, Votes ...
1978 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey[2]
Party Votes Percentage Candidates Seats +/–
Democratic 1,043,747 53.97% 15 10 Decrease1
Republican 837,783 43.32% 15 5 Increase1
Libertarian 5,169 0.27% 5 0 Steady
Socialist Labor 1,755 0.09% 3 0 Steady
US Labor 1,196 0.06% 3 0 Steady
Independents 44,273 2.29% 8 0 Steady
Totals 1,933,923 100.00% 15 Steady
Close

District 1

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 1st congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee James Florio Robert Deitch
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 106,096 26,853
Percentage 76.7% 20.1%

U.S. Representative before election

James Florio
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

James Florio
Democratic

Close

Incumbent Democrat James Florio won. The district included Gloucester County and parts of Camden County.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic James Florio (incumbent) 30,480 100.00%
Total votes 30,480 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Robert M. Deitch 9,898 100.00%
Total votes 9,898 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic James Florio (incumbent) 106,096 79.40%
Republican Robert M. Deitch 26,853 20.09%
Socialist Labor Julius Levin 671 0.50%
Total votes 133,620 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 2

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 2nd congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee William J. Hughes James H. Biggs
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 112,768 56,997
Percentage 66.4% 33.6%

U.S. Representative before election

William J. Hughes
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

William J. Hughes
Democratic

Close

Incumbent William J. Hughes won. This district, the largest in South Jersey, included all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties and parts of Burlington and Ocean counties.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic William J. Hughes (incumbent) 16,821 100.00%
Total votes 16,821 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican James H. Biggs 25,899 100.00%
Total votes 25,899 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic William J. Hughes (incumbent) 112,768 66.43%
Republican James H. Biggs 56,997 33.57%
Total votes 169,765 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 3

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 3rd congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee James J. Howard Bruce G. Coe
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 83,349 64,730
Percentage 56.0% 43.5%

U.S. Representative before election

James J. Howard
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

James J. Howard
Democratic

Close

Incumbent Democrat James J. Howard won.

This district included parts of Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic James J. Howard (incumbent) 19,773 100.00%
Total votes 19,773 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

  • Bruce G. Coe, executive director of the New Jersey Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning[6]

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bruce G. Coe 17,059 100.00%
Total votes 17,059 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

  • James J. Howard, incumbent Representative since 1965 (Democratic)
  • Bruce G. Coe, executive director of the New Jersey Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning[6] (Republican)
  • Stevenson M. Enterline, former Republican member of the Matawan borough council[7] (Libertarian)

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic James J. Howard (incumbent) 83,349 55.96%
Republican Bruce G. Coe 64,730 43.46%
Libertarian Stevenson Enterline 876 0.59%
Total votes 148,955 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 4

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 4th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Frank Thompson Chris Smith
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 69,259 41,833
Percentage 61.1% 36.9%

U.S. Representative before election

Frank Thompson
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Frank Thompson
Democratic

Close

Incumbent Democrat Frank Thompson won. This district, in Central Jersey, consisted of parts of Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Frank Thompson (incumbent) 17,278 100.00%
Total votes 17,278 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

  • Chris Smith, chair of the New Jersey Right to Life Committee

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Chris Smith 6,549 100.00%
Total votes 6,549 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

  • Judson Carter Sr. (Independent)
  • John Val Jean Mahalchik, populist gadfly and perennial candidate[8] (Betsy Ross)
  • Paul B. Rizzo (Independent)
  • Chris Smith, chair of the New Jersey Right to Life Committee (Republican)
  • Frank Thompson, incumbent Representative since 1955 (Democratic)
Withdrew

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Frank Thompson (incumbent) 69,259 61.08%
Republican Chris Smith 41,833 36.90%
Independent John V. Mahalchik 1,145 1.01%
Independent Paul B. Rizzo 827 0.73%
Independent Judson Carter Sr. 318 0.28%
Total votes 113,382 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 5

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 5th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Millicent Fenwick John T. Fahy
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 100,739 38,108
Percentage 72.6% 27.4%

U.S. Representative before election

Millicent Fenwick
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Millicent Fenwick
Republican

Close

Incumbent Millicent Fenwick won. This district included Somerset County and parts of Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Morris counties.

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Millicent Fenwick (incumbent) 11,775 100.00%
Total votes 11,775 100.00%
Close

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John T. Fahy 3,290 100.00%
Total votes 3,290 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Millicent Fenwick (incumbent) 100,739 72.55%
Democratic John T. Fahy 38,108 27.45%
Total votes 201,299 100.00%
Republican hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 6

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 6th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Edwin B. Forsythe W. Thomas McGann
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 89,446 56,874
Percentage 60.4% 38.4%

U.S. Representative before election

Edwin B. Forsythe
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Edwin B. Forsythe
Republican

Close

Incumbent Republican Edwin B. Forsythe won.

This district included parts of Burlington, Camden, and Ocean counties.

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Edwin B. Forsythe (incumbent) 17,106 84.68%
Republican Richard D. Amber 3,095 15.32%
Total votes 20,201 100.00%
Close

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic W. Thomas McGann 9,465 52.15%
Democratic Joseph Carroll 8,684 48.85%
Total votes 18,149 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Edwin B. Forsythe (incumbent) 89,446 60.36%
Democratic W. Thomas McGann 56,874 38.38%
Socialist Labor Bernardo S. Doganiero 737 0.50%
Libertarian Charles M. Pike Jr. 643 0.43%
Independent Hazel McGlory 484 0.33%
Total votes 148,184 100.00%
Republican hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 7

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 7th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Andrew Maguire Marge Roukema
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 78,358 69,543
Percentage 52.5% 46.6%

U.S. Representative before election

Andrew Maguire
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Andrew Maguire
Democratic

Close

Incumbent Andrew Maguire was re-elected to a third term in office. This district included western parts of Bergen County.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Andrew Maguire (incumbent) 16,321 100.00%
Total votes 16,321 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

Declined
  • James J. Sheehan, member of the Wyckoff township committee and nominee for this district in 1976[16]

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Marge Roukema 8,346 39.30%
Republican Joseph C. Woodcock 6,712 31.61%
Republican Gerald Williams 6,176 29.09%
Total votes 21,234 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

  • Elliot Greenspan (Labor)
  • Andrew Maguire, incumbent Representative since 1975 (Democratic)
  • Marge Roukema, former member of the Ridgewood Board of Education (Republican)
  • Robert Shapiro, chair of the Bergen County Libertarian Party[7] (Libertarian)

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Andrew Maguire (incumbent) 78,358 52.55%
Republican Marge Roukema 69,543 46.64%
Libertarian Robert Shapiro 974 0.65%
U.S. Labor Elliot Greenspan 243 0.16%
Total votes 149,118 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 8

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 8th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Robert A. Roe Thomas Melani
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 69,496 23,842
Percentage 74.5% 25.5%

U.S. Representative before election

Robert A. Roe
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Robert A. Roe
Democratic

Close

Incumbent Robert Roe won. This district included parts of Bergen and Passaic counties.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert A. Roe (incumbent) 10,688 100.00%
Total votes 10,688 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

  • Thomas Melani, Wayne attorney[17]

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Thomas Melani 6,465 100.00%
Total votes 6,465 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

  • Thomas Melani, Wayne attorney[17] (Republican)
  • Robert A. Roe, incumbent Representative from Wayne since 1969 (Democratic)

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Robert A. Roe (incumbent) 69,496 74.46%
Republican Thomas Melani 23,842 25.54%
Total votes 93,338 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 9

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 9th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Harold C. Hollenbeck Nicholas S. Mastorelli Henry Helstoski
Party Republican Democratic Independent Democratic
Popular vote 73,478 56,888 19,126
Percentage 48.9% 37.9% 12.7%

U.S. Representative before election

Harold C. Hollenbeck
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Harold C. Hollenbeck
Republican

Close

This district consisted of parts of Bergen and Hudson counties.

Incumbent Republican Harold C. Hollenbeck won.

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Harold C. Hollenbeck (incumbent) 10,083 81.79%
Republican Hugh A. Wagner 2,245 18.21%
Total votes 12,328 100.00%
Close

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declined

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Nicholas Mastorelli 16,448 51.24%
Democratic Albert Burstein 13,694 42.66%
Democratic Mike Jousan 1,958 6.10%
Total votes 32,100 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

  • Henry Helstoski, former Representative for this district (Independent)
  • Harold Hollenbeck, incumbent Representative from East Rutherford since 1977 (Republican)
  • Nicholas S. Mastorelli, executive director of the North Hudson Council of Mayors[15] (Democratic)
  • Bruce Todd (Labor)

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Harold C. Hollenbeck (inc.) 73,478 48.93%
Democratic Nicholas Mastorelli 56,888 37.89%
Independent Henry Helstoski 19,126 12.74%
U.S. Labor Bruce Todd 663 0.44%
Total votes 150,155 100.00%
Republican hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 10

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 10th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Peter W. Rodino John L. Pelt
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 55,074 8,066
Percentage 86.4% 12.6%

U.S. Representative before election

Peter W. Rodino
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Peter W. Rodino
Democratic

Close

The district included parts of Essex and Hudson counties. Incumbent Democrat Peter W. Rodino won.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Peter W. Rodino (incumbent) 15,074 100.00%
Total votes 15,074 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

  • John L. Pelt, Newark car salesman[19]
Declined
  • Tony Grandison, former Newark Housing Authority supervisor and nominee for this district in 1976

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John L. Pelt 2,699 100.00%
Total votes 2,699 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

  • Tony Austin (Socialist Workers)
  • Gordon A. Douglas (Labor)
  • John L. Pelt, Newark car salesman[19] (Republican)
  • Peter W. Rodino, incumbent Representative since 1949 (Democratic)

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Peter W. Rodino (inc.) 55,074 86.35%
Republican John L. Pelt 8,066 12.65%
Socialist Workers Tony Austin 219 0.54%
U.S. Labor Gordon A. Douglas 290 0.45%
Total votes 63,777 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 11

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 11th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Joseph Minish Julius Feld
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 88,294 35,642
Percentage 63.0% 34.3%

U.S. Representative before election

Joseph Minish
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Joseph Minish
Democratic

Close

Incumbent Democrat Joseph Minish won. This district consisted of parts of Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Union counties.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Joseph Minish (incumbent) 19,281 91.85%
Democratic Jack Horn 1,710 8.15%
Total votes 20,991 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Julius George Feld 12,163 100.00%
Total votes 12,163 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

Resultsd

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Joseph Minish (incumbent) 88,294 70.54%
Republican Julius George Feld 35,642 28.47%
Libertarian Richard S. Roth 1,238 0.99%
Total votes 125,174 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 12

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 12th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Matt Rinaldo Richard McCormack
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 94,850 34,423
Percentage 73.4% 26.6%

U.S. Representative before election

Matt Rinaldo
Republican

Elected U.S. Representative

Matt Rinaldo
Republican

Close

Incumbent Matt Rinaldo won. This district included parts of Union County.

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Matt Rinaldo (incumbent) 14,893 100.00%
Total votes 14,893 100.00%
Close

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Richard McCormack 10,033 100.00%
Total votes 10,033 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Matt Rinaldo (incumbent) 94,850 73.37%
Democratic Richard McCormack 34,423 26.63%
Total votes 129,273 100.00%
Republican hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 13

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 13th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Jim Courter Helen Stevenson Meyner
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 77,301 71,808
Percentage 51.8% 48.2%

U.S. Representative before election

Helen Stevenson Meyner
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Jim Courter
Republican

Close

This sprawling district included Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren counties and parts of Mercer and Morris counties.

Incumbent Representative Helen Stevenson Meyner ran for re-election to a third term in office but was defeated by Jim Courter.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Helen S. Meyner (incumbent) 16,066 40.03%
Total votes 16,066 100.00%
Close


Republican primary

Candidates

  • Frank Bell, East Hanover engineer[21]
  • Jim Courter, Warren County assistant prosecutor
  • William E. Schluter, former state senator from Pennington and nominee for this district in 1976
  • Joseph F. Warganz, former chair of the New Jersey Right to Life Committee[22]
  • Ronald Williams
Withdrew

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jim Courter 10,541 38.31%
Republican William E. Schluter 10,407 37.82%
Republican Frank Bell 3,190 11.59%
Republican Joseph F. Warganz 1,982 7.20%
Republican Ronald Williams 1,397 5.08%
Total votes 27,517 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

Withdrew

  • Dale Sutthoff, vice-chair of the New Jersey Libertarian Party[7] (Libertarian)

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jim Courter 77,301 51.84%
Democratic Helen Stevenson Meyner (inc.) 71,808 48.16%
Total votes 149,109 100.00%
Republican gain from Democratic Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 14

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 14th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Frank Guarini Henry J. Hill Thomas McDonough
Party Democratic Republican Independent
Popular vote 67,008 21,355 15,015
Percentage 63.6% 20.3% 14.3%

U.S. Representative before election

Joseph A. LeFante
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Frank J. Guarini
Democratic

Close

This district included parts of Hudson County.

Incumbent representative Joseph A. LeFante did not run for re-election to a second term. Frank J. Guarini was elected to the open seat.

Democratic primary

Candidates

  • Raymond J. Connelly
  • Frank J. Guarini, incumbent Representative since 1979
  • Anthony P. Scalcione

Declined

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Frank J. Guarini 34,127 82.32%
Democratic Anthony P. Scalcione 4,163 10.04%
Democratic Raymond J. Connelly 3,165 7.63%
Total votes 41,455 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

  • Henry J. Hill, member of the Kearny city council[17]

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Henry J. Hill 2,945 100.00%
Total votes 2,945 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

  • Frank J. Guarini, incumbent Representative since 1979 (Democratic)
  • Henry J. Hill, member of the Kearny city council[17] (Republican)
  • Thomas E. McDonough (Independent)
  • John E. Walton (Independent)

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Frank J. Guarini 67,008 63.61%
Republican Henry J. Hill 21,355 20.27%
Independent Thomas E. McDonough 15,015 14.25%
Independent John E. Walton 1,962 1.86%
Total votes 105,340 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

District 15

Quick facts Nominee, Party ...
1978 New Jersey's 15th congressional district election

 1976
November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)
1980 
 
Nominee Edward J. Patten Charles W. Wiley
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 55,944 53,108
Percentage 48.3% 45.8%

U.S. Representative before election

Edward J. Patten
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Edward J. Patten
Democratic

Close

This district included parts of Middlesex and Union counties. Incumbent Democrat Edward J. Patten was re-elected to a ninth term in office, though he faced strong challenges in both the Democratic primary and general election over his ties to the Koreagate scandal.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Edward J. Patten (inc.) 20,738 58.84%
Democratic George A. Spadoro 14,506 41.16%
Total votes 35,244 100.00%
Close

Republican primary

Candidates

  • Charles W. Wiley, freelance journalist[25]

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Charles W. Wiley 4,720 100.00%
Total votes 4,720 100.00%
Close

General election

Candidates

  • Ann V. Bastian (Peoples Independent Coalition)
  • Michael Fieschko, member of the Libertarian National Committee and candidate for General Assembly in 1977[7][26] (Libertarian)
  • Edward J. Patten, incumbent Representative since 1963 (Democratic)
  • Charles W. Wiley, freelance journalist[25] (Republican)

Results

More information Party, Candidate ...
1978 U.S. House election[2][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Edward J. Patten 55,944 48.28%
Republican Charles W. Wiley 53,108 45.83%
Independent Ann V. Bastian 5,396 4.66%
Libertarian Michael Fieschko 1,438 1.24%
Total votes 115,886 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing {{{swing}}}
Close

References

Related Articles

Timelines

Top Qs

Fact Checks