1978Final results
1978 election for New Jersey's 4th District
U.S. House · New Jersey
Frank Thompson Jr. (D) won with 61.1% of the vote, defeating Chris Smith (R) by 24.2 points.
Frank Thompson Jr.Democrat · winner
61.1%69,259
Chris SmithRepublican
36.9%41,833
John V. MahalchikOther party
1.0%1,145
Paul B. RizzoIndependent
0.7%827
Judson Carter Sr.Independent
0.3%318
113,382 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
Frank Thompson Jr. (D)Chris Smith (R)
Also on the ballot: John V. Mahalchik (Other party), 1.0%; Paul B. Rizzo (Independent), 0.7%; Judson Carter Sr. (Independent), 0.3%