1981 New Jersey gubernatorial election
The 1981 New Jersey gubernatorial election was held November 3, 1981. Republican Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly Thomas Kean narrowly defeated Democratic U.S. Representative James Florio, 49.46%-49.38, following a recount. Kean's margin of victory was 1,797 votes out of more than two million votes cast. As of 2024, the 1981 gubernatorial election remains the closest gubernatorial contest in New Jersey history.
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Kean: 50–60% 60–70% Florio: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% | ||||||||||||||||
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| Elections in New Jersey |
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Primary elections were held June 2, 1981. Kean and Florio prevailed, each defeating numerous other candidates without attaining 50% of the vote. The general election was framed as a referendum on the new presidency of Ronald Reagan and, in particular, on Reagan's cuts to federal spending. On election night, the results were too close to call, but Kean led by fewer than 1,700 votes. Florio petitioned for a recount, which expanded Kean's lead slightly; Florio conceded the race on November 30.