Elections / 1980 · Senate · CA
California — 1980 U.S. Senate election
Recent presidential results
Akashic1980 · U.S. SenateCalifornia · U.S. SenateAlan CranstonD+19.4
Candidates
Statewide candidate totals — MIT Election Data + Science Lab, 1980 Senate returns.
- Alan Cranston✓Democrat4,704,09856.5%
- Paul GannRepublican3,091,67137.1%
- David BerglandLibertarian202,4102.4%
- David WaldPeace And Freedom196,2602.4%
- James C. (Jim) GriffinAmerican Independent129,5731.6%
presidential baselinePresident 1980R+16.8Senate 1980D+19.4vs. baselineD+36.2
California's 1980 Senate race ran 36.2 points more Democratic than the presidential race on the same ballot.
California's Senate margins
Every contest in our store, 1976–2024
| Year | Margin (D minus R) |
|---|---|
| 1976 | −3.3% |
| 1980 | +19.4% |
| 1982 | −6.8% |
| 1986 | +1.4% |
| 1988 | −8.8% |
| 1992 | +4.9% |
| 1994 | +1.9% |
| 1998 | +10.0% |
| 2000 | +19.3% |
| 2004 | +19.9% |
| 2006 | +24.4% |
| 2010 | +10.0% |
| 2012 | +25.0% |
| 2016 | +100.0% |
| 2018 | +100.0% |
| 2022 | +22.1% |
| 2024 | +17.7% |
Same ballot, 1980CA
Source. MIT Election Data + Science Lab — 1980 US Senate returns, party-classified by literal ballot party · certified statewide totals. Real returns — nothing estimated.