1980 West Virginia gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1980 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 1980 West Virginia gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1980, to elect the governor of West Virginia. Incumbent Governor Jay Rockefeller defeated former Governor Arch Moore in a rematch of the 1972 contest. This election was the first time ever that a Democrat was re-elected Governor of West Virginia.

1980 West Virginia gubernatorial election

← 1976 November 4, 1980 1984 →

Nominee Jay Rockefeller Arch A. Moore Jr. Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 401,863 337,240 Percentage 54.15% 45.44%

County results Rockefeller:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Moore:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

Governor before election Jay Rockefeller Democratic Elected Governor Jay Rockefeller Democratic

Results

Democratic primary

West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial primary, 1980^[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Jay Rockefeller (incumbent)	250,550	78.05
	Democratic	H. John Rogers	70,452	21.95
Total votes			321,002	100

General election

West Virginia gubernatorial election, 1980^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Jay Rockefeller (incumbent)	401,863	54.15
	Republican	Arch A. Moore, Jr.	337,240	45.44
	Libertarian	Jack Kelley	3,047	0.41
Total votes			742,150	100
	Democratic hold