1978 Wisconsin gubernatorial election
The 1978 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978. Republican Lee S. Dreyfus won the election with 54% of the vote, winning his first term as Governor of Wisconsin and defeating incumbent Democrat Martin J. Schreiber. Bob Kasten unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination.
As of 2024, this is the last occasion that Florence County has voted Democratic in a gubernatorial election.
Primary election
The primary election was held on September 12, 1978. Nominees for Governor and Lieutenant Governor were selected in separate primaries before running on a joint ticket in the general election.Democratic party
Governor
Candidates
- David Carley, nominee for lieutenant governor in 1962
- Edmond Hou-Seye, American party nominee for United States Senate in 1970
- Martin J. Schreiber, incumbent governor
Results
Lieutenant Governor
Candidates
- Robert A. Anderson
- Douglas J. La Follette, Secretary of State of Wisconsin
- Dale T. McKenna, member of Wisconsin State Senate
- Paul Offner, member of Wisconsin State Senate
- Harout Sanasarian, former member of Wisconsin State Assembly
- Charles E. Smith
- Monroe Swan, member of Wisconsin State Senate
Results
Republican party
Governor
Candidates
- Lee S. Dreyfus, Chancellor of University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- Robert W. Kasten, member of United States House of Representatives from the 9th district
Results
Lieutenant Governor
Candidates
- Russell A. Olson, member of Wisconsin State Assembly
- La Verne Ausman, member of Wisconsin State Assembly
Results
Conservative party
Governor
Candidates
- Eugene R. Zimmerman, American party nominee for Secretary of State in 1974
Results
Lieutenant Governor
Candidates
- George Reed, American party nominee for Secretary of State in 1970
Results
Independent nominations
Candidates
- John C. Doherty & Marion A. Doherty
- Adrienne Kaplan & William Breihan
- Henry A. Ochsner & Robert E. Nordlander
General election
Candidates
- Martin J. Schreiber & Douglas J. La Follette, Democrat
- Lee S. Dreyfus & Russell A. Olson, Republican
- Eugene R. Zimmerman & George Reed, Conservative
- John C. Doherty & Marion A. Doherty, Independent
- Adrienne Kaplan & William Breihan, Independent
- Henry A. Ochsner & Robert E. Nordlander, Independent