1979Final results
1979 election for New Jersey Legislative District 16
New Jersey General Assembly · New Jersey
2 seats: Walter J. Kavanaugh (R), Elliott F. Smith (R) won.
2 seatsWalter J. KavanaughRepublican · winner · incumbent
33.2%26,893
Elliott F. SmithRepublican · winner · incumbent
29.6%23,996
Robert J. BukowczykDemocrat
17.7%14,353
Harry DreierDemocrat
17.3%13,993
Jasper C. GouldOther party
2.1%1,736
80,971 votes
Source: Harvard Dataverse / Carl KlarnerUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:29 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1979
Races before and after
Source: Harvard Dataverse / Carl KlarnerUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:29 AM ET
The candidates
Walter J. Kavanaugh (R)Elliott F. Smith (R)Robert J. Bukowczyk (D)Harry Dreier (D)
Also on the ballot: Jasper C. Gould (Other party), 2.1%