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The 1978 South Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978 to select the governor of the state of South Carolina. Richard Riley, the Democratic nominee, defeated Republican Edward L. Young and became the 111st governor of South Carolina.
[edit] Democratic Primary
The South Carolina Democratic Party held their primary for governor on June 13, featuring three high tier candidates. Richard Riley, a former member of the General Assembly, emerged as the winner of the runoff election over Lieutenant Governor W. Brantley Harvey, Jr. on June 27.
| Democratic Primary Runoff |
| Candidate |
Votes |
% |
±% |
| Richard Riley |
180,882 |
53.3 |
+20.4 |
| W. Brantley Harvey, Jr. |
158,655 |
46.7 |
+9.2 |
[edit] Republican Primary
The South Carolina Republican Party held their primary for governor on June 13. The race between Edward L. Young and Raymon Finch drew little interest compared to the Democratic primary and turnout for the Republican was less than that of 1974. Young defeated Finch in a close contest and earned the right to face Riley in the general election.
| Republican Primary |
| Candidate |
Votes |
% |
| Edward L. Young |
12,143 |
51.4 |
| Raymon Finch |
11,501 |
48.6 |
[edit] General Election
The general election was held on November 7, 1978 and Richard Riley was elected as the next governor of South Carolina. Turnout was higher than the previous gubernatorial election because of the increasingly competitive nature of the race between the two parties.
1978 South Carolina gubernatorial election map, by percentile by county. 65+% won by Riley 60%-64% won by Riley 55%-59% won by Riley 50%-54% won by Riley 50%-54% won by Young
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
