1976Final results
1976 election for New Jersey's 12th District
U.S. House · New Jersey
Matthew Rinaldo (R) won with 73.1% of the vote, defeating Richard A. Buggelli (D) by 46.9 points.
Matthew RinaldoRepublican · winner
73.1%136,973
Richard A. BuggelliDemocrat
26.3%49,189
Paul M. GeyerOther party
0.3%642
Vincent MiskellOther party
0.3%478
187,282 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1976
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The candidates
Matthew Rinaldo (R)Richard A. Buggelli (D)
Also on the ballot: Paul M. Geyer (Other party), 0.3%; Vincent Miskell (Other party), 0.3%