The 1978 California Attorney General election was held on November 7, 1978. Republican nominee George Deukmejian defeated Democratic nominee Yvonne Brathwaite Burke with 52.88% of the vote.

Primary elections Primary elections were held on June 6, 1978.

Democratic primary

Candidates Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, U.S. Representative Burt Pines, Los Angeles City Attorney

Results

Republican primary

Candidates George Deukmejian, State Senator from Long Beach James L. Browning Jr., former United States Attorney for the Northern District of California

Results

General election

Candidates Major party candidates George Deukmejian, Republican Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, Democratic

Other candidate's Dallas Wendell Reid, American Independent Robert J. Evans, Peace and Freedom

Results

References