The 1980 United States House of Representatives elections was an election for the United States House of Representatives on November 4, 1980, to elect members to serve in the 97th United States Congress. They coincided with the election of Ronald Reagan as president, defeating Democratic incumbent Jimmy Carter. Reagan's victory also allowed many Republican House candidates to secure elections. The Republicans gained a net of 35 seats from the Democratic Party. The Democrats nonetheless retained a significant majority, unlike the Senate elections, where Republicans gained control of the chamber. However, many Democratic congressmen from the south (known as "Boll weevils") frequently took conservative stances on issues, allowing Republicans to have a working ideological majority for some of President Reagan's proposals during his first two years in office.
This election marked the first time since Reconstruction that Republicans won a sizable majority of Representatives from a Deep South state (South Carolina). It was also the first time that the new Libertarian Party received the third-largest share of the popular vote in both chambers of Congress. As of 2022[update], this is the last time that Republicans won a majority of seats in the Minnesota delegation. This is the earliest House election with currently serving members, those being Chris Smith and Hal Rogers.
Overall results
398 incumbent members sought reelection, but 6 were defeated in primaries and 31 defeated in the general election for a total of 358 incumbents winning.[1]
Summary of the November 4, 1980, United States House of Representatives election results
Incumbent resigned September 26, 1979, to become Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals. New member elected January 22, 1980. Republican gain. Winner was subsequently re-elected in November; see below.
Incumbent resigned January 31, 1980, after being censured by the U.S. House. New member elected April 9, 1980. Democratic hold. Winner subsequently lost re-election in November; see below.
Incumbent resigned March 10, 1980, to become Governor of Louisiana. New member elected May 22, 1980. Democratic gain. Winner was subsequently re-elected in November; see below.
Incumbent resigned June 3, 1980, after being censured by the U.S. House. New member elected November 4, 1980. Democratic hold. Winner also elected to the next term; see below.
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