Elections / 1982 · Senate · CA
California — 1982 U.S. Senate election
Recent presidential results
Akashic1982 · U.S. SenateCalifornia · U.S. SenatePete WilsonR+6.8
Candidates
Statewide candidate totals — MIT Election Data + Science Lab, 1982 Senate returns.
- Pete Wilson✓Republican4,022,56551.5%
- Edmund G. Brown Jr.Democrat3,494,96844.8%
- Joseph FuhrigLibertarian107,7201.4%
- David WaldPeace And Freedom96,3881.2%
- Theresa "Tena" DietrichAmerican Independent83,8091.1%
presidential baselinePresident 1980R+16.8Senate 1982R+6.8vs. baselineD+10.0
California's 1982 Senate race ran 10.0 points more Democratic than its 1980 presidential margin.
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, 1982CA
Source. MIT Election Data + Science Lab — 1982 US Senate returns, party-classified by literal ballot party · certified statewide totals. Real returns — nothing estimated.