1978 Illinois gubernatorial election

Background

This was the first Illinois gubernatorial election that took place during the United States' midterm elections. The previous election had been in 1976.

The primary (held March 21) and general election coincided with those for federal offices (Senate and House) and those for other state offices. The election was part of the 1978 Illinois elections.

Turnout in the primaries saw 20.39% in the gubernatorial primaries, with a total of 1,201,603 votes cast, and 16.33% in the lieutenant gubernatorial primary, with 962,288 votes cast. Turnout during the general election was 54.23%, with 3,150,107 votes cast.

Democratic primary

Governor

Incumbent Illinois Comptroller Michael Bakalis won the Democratic primary.

Bakalis' opponent had been Dakin Williams, a prosecutor who was the younger brother of famous playwright Tennessee Williams. Williams had been a candidate for the Democratic nomination of Illinois' US Senate seat in 1972, and had unsuccessfully sought the nomination for the state's other US Senate seat in 1974.

Lieutenant governor

Lawyer and future congressman and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin won the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, running unopposed.

Republican primary

Governor

Incumbent governor James R. Thompson won renomination, running unopposed.

Lieutenant governor

Incumbent lieutenant governor Dave O'Neal won renomination, running unopposed.

Results

David C. O'Neal (incumbent) Richard J. Durbin Marji Kohls Dennis Brasky David R. Hoffman

References

References

1. (February 2021). "OFFICIAL VOTE Cast at the GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 7, 1978". Illinois State Board of Elections.
2. w. "Illinois Constitution – Article V". Ilga.gov.
3. "OFFICIAL VOTE Cast at the GENERAL PRIMARY ELECTION MARCH 21, 1978". Illinois State Board of Elections.
4. (22 May 2008). "Tennessee Williams' brother dead at 89".
5. "Our Campaigns - Candidate - W. Dakin Williams".
6. "1978 Gubernatorial General Election Results - Illinois".