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United States presidential election of 1980
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The election results of 1980 Ronald Reagan Ronald Reagan presidential campaign button Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter: Peanut farmer, Peace Prize winner, and president
President Jimmy Carter in a black suit in front of a blue curtain.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan Walter Cronkite Map of the United States showing the 1980 presidential election results by state. States won by Ronald Reagan (Republican) are shaded in red, covering the vast majority of the country, while states won by Jimmy Carter (Democratic) are shaded in blue, including Georgia, West Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia. Each state is labeled with its electoral vote count. Reagan won 489 electoral votes and Carter won 49.
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Washington Monument. Washington Monument and fireworks, Washington DC. The Monument was built as an obelisk near the west end of the National Mall to commemorate the first U.S. president, General George Washington.
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The White House in Washington, D.C., USA. The north portico which faces Pennsylvania Avenue.
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United States presidential election of 1980: References & Edit History

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Added cross-reference to “October surprise.” Jul 13, 2026
Add new Web site: Scholar Works at Harding - The Effect of the Iranian Hostage Crisis on the 1980 Presidential Election (PDF). Apr 15, 2026
Anniversary information added. Oct 28, 2025
Add new Web site: CNN - As the race begins in earnest, the public is wary, worried -- and waiting. Aug 14, 2025
Add new Web site: Teach Democracy - The Election of 1980 (PDF). Jun 02, 2025
Added top questions and cross-reference to John Anderson. Apr 16, 2025
Media added. Feb 21, 2025
Media added. Sep 27, 2024
Added an interactive map of the 1980 election. May 31, 2024
Cross-references added. Mar 19, 2024
Add new Web site: Maps of World - U.S. Presidential Election 1980. Sep 09, 2013
Video of Ronald Reagan paid political message added. Apr 05, 2010
New article added. Nov 12, 2009
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