1980 North Dakota gubernatorial election
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The 1980 North Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1980. The election pitted Republican State Attorney General Allen I. Olson against incumbent Democratic-NPL governor Arthur A. Link. Olson defeated Link 54% to 46%. As of 2026, this is the North Dakota gubernatorial race where the winner received less than 55% of votes.
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November 4, 1980
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 County results Olson: 50–60% 60–70% Link: 50–60% 60–70% | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Primary elections
Primary elections were held on September 2, 1980.[1]
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Arthur A. Link, incumbent Governor
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic–NPL | Arthur A. Link (inc.) | 41,751 | 100.00 | |
| Total votes | 41,751 | 100.00 | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Allen I. Olson | 60,016 | 75.66 | |
| Republican | Orville W. Hagen | 19,306 | 24.34 | |
| Total votes | 79,322 | 100.00 | ||
General election
Candidates
- Allen I. Olson, Republican
- Arthur A. Link, Democratic
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Allen I. Olson | 162,230 | 53.61% | |
| Democratic–NPL | Arthur A. Link (inc.) | 140,391 | 46.39% | |
| Total votes | 302,621 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican gain from Democratic–NPL | ||||