The 1980 United States Senate election in Florida took place on November 4, 1980, alongside other elections for President of the United States as well as to the United States Senate in other states and elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Stone ran for re-election to a second term, but lost the Democratic primary election to Bill Gunter. Republican Paula Hawkins defeated Gunter in the general election. She became the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate in the state's history.
Democratic primary Candidates John B. Coffey Bill Gunter, Florida State Treasurer and former U.S. Representative Buddy MacKay, State Senator James L. Miller Richard A. Pettigrew Richard Stone, incumbent U.S. Senator
Campaign Stone, a freshman senator, had a reputation for changing his mind. In 1980, the AFL-CIO actively campaigned against him, and Stone was deemed vulnerable in his re-election bid. Six Democrats entered the race for Stone's seat including his 1974 runoff opponent Bill Gunter who was Florida State Treasurer/Insurance Commissioner in 1980. As was the case in 1974, Stone and Gunter were forced into a runoff but, unlike 1974, Gunter won the nomination.
Endorsements
Results
Republican primary Candidates Ander Crenshaw, former state representative Lewis Dinkins Lou Frey, former U.S. Representative Paula Hawkins, Florida Public Service Commissioner Ellis Rubin, criminal defense attorney John T. Ware, State Senator
Endorsements
Results
General election Candidates Bill Gunter (D), Florida State Treasurer and former U.S. Congressman Paula Hawkins (R), Florida Public Service Commissioner
Results
See also 1980 United States Senate elections
References