The 1978 Arizona House of Representatives elections were held on November 7, 1978. Voters elected all 60 members of the Arizona House of Representatives in multi-member districts to serve a two-year term. The elections coincided with the elections for other offices, including Governor, U.S. House, and State Senate. Primary elections were held on September 12, 1978.[3]
Prior to the elections, the Republicans held a majority of 38 seats over the Democrats' 22 seats.
Following the elections, Republicans maintained control of the chamber and expanded their majority to 42 Republicans to 18 Democrats, a net gain of four seats for Republicans.[4]
The newly elected members served in the 34th Arizona State Legislature, during which Republican Frank Kelley was re-elected as Speaker of the Arizona House.[a]
^Kelley was re-elected as Speaker for the 34th legislature, defeating Democratic Leader Representative Larry Bahill, who was also nominated for Speaker. The vote tally for Speaker was: Kelley-41 votes to Bahill-18 votes, with Representative Kelley not voting.[5]
^Republican Keith W. Hubbard of District 21 resigned effective at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, 1977.[6] He was replaced by Donald Kenney on April 25, 1977, to fill the unexpired portion of Mr. Hubbard's term.[7]
^ abcRepublican David B. Kret died in office on May 10, 1979. Paul R. Messinger was elected to fill the vacancy in the 28th District on September 11, 1979 in a special election.[8] Mr. Messinger defeated Democratic Scottsdale Mayor Bill Jenkins in the September special election, which was only the second time a special election was conducted to fill a vacancy instead of an appointment from the appropriate board of county supervisors.[9] Mr. Messinger was administered the Oath of Office on October 17, 1979 and was seated as a Member of the Arizona House of Representatives, Thirty-Fourth Legislature on November 12, 1979.[10]