The 1978 Arizona gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978, for the post of Governor of Arizona. Democrat Bruce Babbitt defeated Republican nominee Evan Mecham. Babbitt was the former Attorney General of Arizona, but after the death of Governor Wesley Bolin, Babbit became governor. Bolin himself ascended to office from the position of Secretary of State, meaning his replacement, Rose Mofford was not eligible to the office as she was not elected. This drama of exchanging office would continue after Babbitt's term came to an end, as Mofford would become governor and succeeded Evan Mecham, Babbitt's challenger, in 1988.

Democratic primary

Candidates Bruce Babbitt, incumbent Governor Dave Moss, perennial candidate

Withdrew Bill Schulz, businessman (endorsed Babbitt)

Results

Republican primary

Candidates Charles King Jack Londen, businessman Evan Mecham, perennial candidate

Results

General election

Results

Results by county County Bruce BabbittDemocratic Evan MechamRepublican V. Gene LewterLibertarian Jessica SampsonSocialist Workers Margin Total votescast # % # % # % # % # %Apache4,49867.90%1,76126.59%1962.96%1692.55%2,73741.32%6,624Cochise8,96357.96%6,25140.42%940.61%1571.02%2,71217.54%15,465Coconino10,44667.74%4,41128.60%3882.52%1761.14%6,03539.13%15,421Gila5,71559.39%3,66838.12%1601.66%800.83%2,04721.27%9,623Graham2,56544.41%3,08553.41%631.09%631.09%-520-9.00%5,776Greenlee2,22969.25%91728.49%310.96%421.30%1,31240.76%3,219Maricopa141,17746.82%151,07950.10%6,9822.32%2,2910.76%-9,902-3.28%301,529Mohave6,04248.24%6,13348.96%2772.21%740.59%-91-0.73%12,526Navajo6,26956.47%4,51840.70%1791.61%1361.23%1,75115.77%11,102Pima67,90464.03%36,19734.13%1,1651.10%7850.74%31,70729.90%106,051Pinal9,06454.42%7,15142.93%2841.70%1580.95%1,91311.48%16,657Santa Cruz2,81468.28%1,22929.82%330.80%451.09%1,58538.46%4,121Yavapai8,38646.85%8,97850.16%4082.28%1260.70%-592-3.31%17,898Yuma6,53352.08%5,71545.56%1611.28%1351.08%8186.52%12,544Totals282,60552.47%241,09344.77%10,4211.93%4,4370.82%41,5127.71%538,556

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Yuma

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Mohave

References