The 1978 Nebraska gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, and featured U.S. Representative Charles Thone, a Republican, defeating Democratic nominee, Lieutenant Governor Gerald T. Whelan. Incumbent Governor J. James Exon, a Democrat, was barred from seeking a third term. Exon was elected to the U.S. Senate that same day.
Democratic primary
Governor
Candidates
Results
Lieutenant governor
Candidates
Orval Keyes ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. He was a member of the Nebraska Legislature in District 3 since 1969 from Springfield, Nebraska.
Results
Republican primary
Governor
Candidates
- Richard Hedrick
- Stan Juelfs
- Robert A. Phares, former Mayor of North Platte
- Vance D. Rogers
- Charles Thone, U.S. Representative
Results
Lieutenant governor
Candidates
- Herbert J. Duis, member of the Nebraska Legislature in District 39 since 1969 and previously from 1951 to 1955 from Gothenburg, Nebraska.
- Roland A. Luedtke, Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature since 1977 and member of the Nebraska Legislature in District 28 since 1967 from Lincoln, Nebraska.
- Dennis L. Rasmussen, member of the Nebraska Legislature in District 41 since 1973 from Scotia, Nebraska.
- Rosemary M. Skrupa, member of the Omaha Public Power District board from Omaha, Nebraska
- Don Stenberg, lawyer from Lincoln, Nebraska
Results
General election
Results
By county
Source
References