1978 Nebraska gubernatorial election

The 1978 Nebraska gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, and featured U.S. Representative Charles Thone, a Republican, defeating Democratic nominee, Lieutenant Governor Gerald T. Whelan. Incumbent Governor J. James Exon, a Democrat, was barred from seeking a third term. Exon was elected to the U.S Senate that same day.

Candidates

 * Robert V. Hansen
 * Gerald T. Whelan, Lieutenant Governor

Candidates
Orval Keyes ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. He was a member of the Nebraska Legislature in District 3 since 1969 from Springfield, Nebraska.

Candidates

 * Richard Hedrick
 * Stan Juelfs
 * Robert A. Phares, former Mayor of North Platte
 * Vance D. Rogers
 * Charles Thone, U.S. Representative

Candidates

 * Herbert J. Duis, member of the Nebraska Legislature in District 39 since 1969 and previously from 1951 to 1955 from Gothenburg, Nebraska.
 * Roland A. Luedtke, Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature since 1977 and member of the Nebraska Legislature in District 28 since 1967 from Lincoln, Nebraska.
 * Dennis L. Rasmussen, member of the Nebraska Legislature in District 41 since 1973 from Scotia, Nebraska.
 * Rosemary M. Skrupa, member of the Omaha Public Power District board from Omaha, Nebraska
 * Don Stenberg, lawyer from Lincoln, Nebraska