1980 Montana gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1980 United States gubernatorial elections.

1980 Montana gubernatorial election

November 4, 1980
Turnout	74.90%0.30
Nominee Ted Schwinden Jack Ramirez Party Democratic Republican Running mate George Turman Walt Johnson Popular vote 199,574 160,892 Percentage 55.37% 44.63%
County results Schwinden:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Ramirez:      50–60%      60–70%
Governor before election Thomas Lee Judge Democratic Elected Governor Ted Schwinden Democratic

The 1980 Montana gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1980. Incumbent Governor of Montana Thomas Lee Judge, who was first elected in 1972 and was re-elected in 1976, ran for re-election. He faced a stiff challenge in the Democratic primary from his lieutenant governor, Ted Schwinden, and he ultimately lost renomination. Schwinden, advancing to the general election, faced Jack Ramirez, the Minority Leader of the Montana House of Representatives and the Republican nominee. Although Ronald Reagan, the Republican presidential nominee, won the state in a landslide that year, Schwinden comfortably defeated Ramirez to win his first of two terms as governor.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Ted Schwinden, Lieutenant Governor of Montana
• Thomas Lee Judge, incumbent Governor of Montana
• Martin J. Beckman
• Bob Kelleher, perennial candidate

Results

Democratic Party primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Ted Schwinden	69,051	50.64
	Democratic	Thomas Lee Judge (incumbent)	57,946	42.49
	Democratic	Martin J. Beckman	5,990	4.39
	Democratic	Bob Kelleher	3,377	2.48
Total votes			136,364	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Jack Ramirez, Minority Leader of the Montana House of Representatives
• Al Bishop, Montana Fish and Game Commissioner
• Florence Haegen, former Chairwoman of the Montana Republican Party

Results

Republican Primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Jack Ramirez	48,926	68.36
	Republican	Al Bishop	14,522	20.30
	Republican	Florence Haegen	8,118	11.34
Total votes			71,566	100.00

General election

Results

Montana gubernatorial election, 1980

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Ted Schwinden	199,574	55.37%	−6.34%
	Republican	Jack Ramirez	160,892	44.63%	+8.06%
Majority			38,682	10.73%	−14.39%
Turnout			360,466
	Democratic hold		Swing