1978 South Dakota gubernatorial election

The 1978 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, to elect a Governor of South Dakota. Republican nominee Bill Janklow was elected, defeating Democratic nominee Roger D. McKellips.

1978 South Dakota gubernatorial election

November 7, 1978 (1978-11-07)

Nominee Bill Janklow Roger D. McKellips Party Republican Democratic Running mate Lowell Hansen Billie Sutton Popular vote 147,116 112,679 Percentage 56.6% 43.4%

County results Janklow:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% McKellips:      50–60%      60–70%      80–90%

Governor before election Harvey Wollman Democratic Elected Governor Bill Janklow Republican

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Roger D. McKellips, Member of South Dakota Senate
• Harvey L. Wollman, incumbent Governor of South Dakota
• John Bohr

Results

Democratic primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Roger McKellips	34,160	49.09
	Democratic	Harvey L. Wollman (Incumbent)	32,690	46.97
	Democratic	John Bohr	2,743	3.94
Total votes			69,593	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Bill Janklow, Attorney General of South Dakota
• LeRoy G. Hoffman, member of the South Dakota Senate
• Clint Roberts, member of the South Dakota Senate

Results

Republican primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Bill Janklow	46,423	50.89
	Republican	LeRoy G. Hoffman	30,026	32.92
	Republican	Clint Roberts	14,774	16.20
Total votes			91,223	100.00

General election

Results

South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1978

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Bill Janklow	147,116	56.63
	Democratic	Roger D. McKellips	112,679	43.37
Total votes			259,795	100.00
	Republican gain from Democratic