For related races, see 1980 United States gubernatorial elections.
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1980 Utah gubernatorial election
← 1976
November 4, 1980
1984 →
Nominee
Scott M. Matheson
Bob Wright
Party
Democratic
Republican
Popular vote
330,974
266,578
Percentage
55.16%
44.43%
County results Matheson: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Wright: 50–60%
Governor before election
Scott M. Matheson
Democratic
Elected Governor
Scott M. Matheson
Democratic
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v
t
e
The 1980 Utah gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1980. Democratic incumbent Scott M. Matheson defeated Republican nominee Bob Wright with 55.16% of the vote. As of 2024[update], this is the last time a Democrat was elected Governor of Utah; since Matheson left office in 1985, all of Utah's governors have been Republican.[1] Matheson's victory was despite Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan and incumbent Republican Senator Jake Garn both winning over 70% of the vote in their respective races on the same ballot.[2][3]
^Benjamin Wood (July 19, 2019). "Zachary Moses, a Democratic candidate for governor, wants to break up Republican control of Utah and build a space port". Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
^"1980 Presidential Election Statistics". US Election Atlas. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
^"1980 General Election Abstract" (PDF). Utah Secretary of State. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
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