1980Final results
1980 election for New Jersey's 5th District
U.S. House · New Jersey
Millicent H. Fenwick (R) won with 77.5% of the vote, defeating Kieran E. Pillion Jr. (D) by 57.0 points.
Millicent H. FenwickRepublican · winner
77.5%156,016
Kieran E. Pillion Jr.Democrat
20.5%41,269
Carl R. SamsonLibertarian
1.2%2,465
Jasper C. GouldOther party
0.8%1,549
201,299 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.
Kieran E. Pillion Jr.Millicent H. Fenwick
$7.2K
Raised by the campaign
$44.6K
$7.2K
Spent by the campaign
$30.6K
$0
Cash on hand
$0
Campaign money: FEC, through Jan 29, 1981; FEC, through Dec 31, 1980.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1980
The candidates
Millicent H. Fenwick (R)Kieran E. Pillion Jr. (D)
Also on the ballot: Carl R. Samson (Libertarian), 1.2%; Jasper C. Gould (Other party), 0.8%