1980 Washington gubernatorial election

The 1980 Washington gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1980. Incumbent Democratic Governor Dixy Lee Ray ran for a second term, but lost in the primary to State Representative Jim McDermott. McDermott was defeated in the general election by Republican candidate John Spellman, the King County Executive. , this is the last time a Republican was elected Governor of Washington, thus beginning the longest streak for Democrats holding any of the 50 state governorships once Spellman left office.

Democratic

 * Jim McDermott, psychiatrist, state senator, and candidate for governor in 1972
 * Dixy Lee Ray, incumbent Governor of Washington
 * Caroline "Hope" Diamond

Republican

 * John Spellman, King County Executive
 * Duane Berentson, state speaker
 * Bruce Chapman, state secretary
 * Patrick Sean McGowan

Candidates

 * Jim McDermott (D), psychiatrist, state senator, and candidate for governor in 1972
 * John Spellman (R), King County Executive