1980Final results
1980 election for President in California
President · California
Ronald Reagan (R) won with 52.7% of the vote, defeating Jimmy Carter (D) by 16.8 points.
Ronald ReaganRepublican · winner
52.7%4,522,994
Jimmy CarterDemocrat
35.9%3,082,943
John B. AndersonIndependent
8.6%739,618
Edward ""ed"" ClarkLibertarian
1.7%148,390
Barry CommonerOther party
0.7%61,046
Maureen SmithPeace and Freedom
0.2%18,106
John RarickAmerican Independent
0.1%9,841
8,582,938 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
The candidates
Ronald Reagan (R)Jimmy Carter (D)John B. Anderson (I)
Also on the ballot: Edward ""ed"" Clark (Libertarian), 1.7%; Barry Commoner (Other party), 0.7%; Maureen Smith (Peace and Freedom), 0.2%; John Rarick (American Independent), 0.1%