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.

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...

1978 Arizona gubernatorial election

← 1974 November 7, 1978 1982 →

Nominee Bruce Babbitt Evan Mecham Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 282,605 241,093 Percentage 52.5% 44.8%

County results Babbitt:      50–60%      60–70% Mecham:      40–50%      50–60%

Governor before election Bruce Babbitt Democratic Elected Governor Bruce Babbitt Democratic

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Until 2022, this was the last gubernatorial election where a Democratic governor was elected during the tenure of a Democratic president.