1978Final results
1978 election for California Governor
Governor · California
Edmund G. Brown Jr. (D) won with 56.0% of the vote, defeating Evelle J. Younger (R) by 19.5 points.
Edmund G. Brown Jr.Democrat · winner
56.0%3,878,812
Evelle J. YoungerRepublican
36.5%2,526,534
Ed ClarkIndependent
5.5%377,960
Marilyn SealsPeace and Freedom
1.0%70,864
Theresa F. DietrichIndependent
1.0%67,103
6,921,273 votes
Source: English WikipediaUpdated Oct 5, 2026, 4:05 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1978
Races before and after
Source: English WikipediaUpdated Oct 5, 2026, 4:05 AM ET
The candidates
Edmund G. Brown Jr. (D)Evelle J. Younger (R)Ed Clark (I)
Also on the ballot: Marilyn Seals (Peace and Freedom), 1.0%; Theresa F. Dietrich (Independent), 1.0%