1978Final results
1978 election for California's 9th District
U.S. House · California
Fortney H. Stark Jr. (D) won with 65.4% of the vote, defeating Robert S. Allen (R) by 34.9 points.
Fortney H. Stark Jr.Democrat · winner
65.4%88,179
Robert S. AllenRepublican
30.5%41,138
Lawrence J. PhillipsPeace and Freedom
4.1%5,562
134,879 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
Fortney H. Stark Jr. (D)Robert S. Allen (R)
Also on the ballot: Lawrence J. Phillips (Peace and Freedom), 4.1%