1978Final results
1978 election for Connecticut's 1st District
U.S. House · Connecticut
William R. Cotter (D) won with 59.5% of the vote, defeating Ben F. Andrews Jr. (R) by 20.2 points.
William R. CotterDemocrat · winner
59.5%102,749
Ben F. Andrews Jr.Republican
39.3%67,828
Donna C. McDonoughOther party
1.1%1,965
172,564 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
William R. Cotter (D)Ben F. Andrews Jr. (R)
Also on the ballot: Donna C. McDonough (Other party), 1.1%