1980Final results
1980 election for Alabama's 7th District
U.S. House · Alabama
Richard C. Shelby (D) won with 72.6% of the vote, defeating James E. "jim" Bacon (R) by 46.9 points.
Richard C. ShelbyDemocrat · winner
72.6%122,505
James E. "jim" BaconRepublican
25.7%43,320
Joe WalkerLibertarian
1.3%2,132
Mrs Mary OwensbyOther party
0.5%847
168,804 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 1980
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
Money in this race
Each line compares the two campaigns on one scale.
Richard C. ShelbyNo Republican
$245.8K
Raised by the campaign
—
$136K
Spent by the campaign
—
$0
Cash on hand
—
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1980.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1980
The candidates
Richard C. Shelby (D)James E. "jim" Bacon (R)
Also on the ballot: Joe Walker (Libertarian), 1.3%; Mrs Mary Owensby (Other party), 0.5%