The 1980 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1980. Incumbent Democrat J. Joseph Garrahy defeated Republican nominee Buddy Cianci with 73.71% of the vote despite the fact that Jimmy Carter carried the state by a much smaller margin in the concurrent presidential election.
General election
Candidates J. Joseph Garrahy - Governor of Rhode Island (Democratic) Buddy Cianci - Mayor of Providence (Republican)
Results
By county Joseph GarrahyDemocratic Buddy CianciRepublican County Votes % Votes % Bristol15,26072.2%5,88127.8% Kent53,49276.3%16,60623.7% Newport25,53676.8%7,63323.2% Providence175,63572.5%66,57127.5% Washington29,45174.6%10,03825.4%
References