1979Final results
1979 election for New Jersey Legislative District 26
New Jersey General Assembly · New Jersey
2 seats: Richard J. Codey (D), Mildred Barry Garvin (D) won.
2 seatsRichard J. CodeyDemocrat · winner · incumbent
36.1%14,320
Mildred Barry GarvinDemocrat · winner · incumbent
32.5%12,910
Leonard P. Messina Sr.Republican
15.3%6,079
Timothy A. Gaylord Jr.Republican
13.0%5,143
Janet C. MandelOther party
1.2%479
Richard S. RothLibertarian
1.1%445
Lynne SpeedOther party
0.8%320
39,696 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
Richard J. Codey (D)Mildred Barry Garvin (D)Leonard P. Messina Sr. (R)Timothy A. Gaylord Jr. (R)
Also on the ballot: Janet C. Mandel (Other party), 1.2%; Richard S. Roth (Libertarian), 1.1%; Lynne Speed (Other party), 0.8%