1978Final results
1978 election for California's 12th District
U.S. House · California
Paul N. "pete" McCloskey Jr. (R) won with 73.1% of the vote, defeating Kirsten Olsen (D) by 51.5 points.
Paul N. "pete" McCloskey Jr.Republican · winner
73.1%116,982
Kirsten OlsenDemocrat
21.5%34,472
Harold R. BoylanAmerican Independent
3.5%5,609
Adele FuminoPeace and Freedom
1.9%3,022
160,085 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 1978
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The candidates
Paul N. "pete" McCloskey Jr. (R)Kirsten Olsen (D)
Also on the ballot: Harold R. Boylan (American Independent), 3.5%; Adele Fumino (Peace and Freedom), 1.9%