1978Final results
1978 election for New York's 5th District
U.S. House · New York
John W. Wydler (R) won with 58.4% of the vote, defeating John W. Matthews (D) by 16.7 points.
John W. WydlerRepublican · winner
58.4%84,864
John W. MatthewsDemocrat
41.6%60,519
145,383 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