1978Final results
1978 election for California's 3rd District
U.S. House · California
Robert Matsui (D) won with 53.4% of the vote, defeating Sandy Smoley (R) by 6.9 points.
Robert MatsuiDemocrat · winner
53.4%105,537
Sandy SmoleyRepublican
46.6%91,966
197,503 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