Biggest governor landslides in Delaware
The biggest landslide in a Delaware governor’s race was in 1878, a margin of 58.2 points. John W. Hall beat Kensey Johns Stewart, 10,730 to 2,835. Next widest are 1980 (42.1 points) and 1988 (41.5 points).
Every state is ranked together on Biggest governor landslides. For every gubernatorial race Delaware has held, special elections included, see the Delaware governor hub.
What is the biggest landslide in a Delaware governor’s race?
The widest margin in a Delaware gubernatorial general election came in 1878, 58.2 points. John W. Hall beat Kensey Johns Stewart, 10,730 to 2,835. Next are 1980 (42.1 points) and 1988 (41.5 points).
Why do some huge wins not appear?
A blowout only counts here when somebody real finished second, which means at least 5% of the vote. Without that rule the list fills with uncontested races and with contests where the record is simply missing the major opponent, both of which show the winner near 100%.
Does this include recalls and special elections?
No, only regular general elections for governor. The Delaware governor hub lists every race including specials and recalls.
| # | Election | Result | Votes | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1878 | John W. Hall D def. Kensey Johns Stewart G | 10,730 – 2,835 | +58.2 points |
| 2 | 1980 | Pete du Pont R def. William J. Gordy D | 159,004 – 64,217 | +42.1 points |
| 3 | 1988 | Mike Castle R def. Jacob Kreshtool D | 169,733 – 70,236 | +41.5 points |
| 4 | 2012 | Jack Markell D def. Jeff Cragg R | 275,993 – 113,793 | +40.8 points |
| 5 | 1996 | Tom Carper D def. Janet Rzewnicki R | 188,300 – 82,564 | +39.0 points |
| 6 | 2008 | Jack Markell D def. Bill Lee R | 266,861 – 126,662 | +35.5 points |
| 7 | 1992 | Tom Carper D def. B. Gary Scott R | 179,365 – 90,725 | +32.0 points |
| 8 | 1886 | Benjamin T. Biggs D def. John H. Hoffecker P | 13,942 – 7,832 | +27.8 points |
| 9 | 1928 | C. Douglass Buck R def. Charles M. Wharton D | 62,683 – 40,824 | +21.1 points |
| 10 | 2020 | John Carney D def. Julianne Murray R | 292,903 – 190,312 | +20.8 points |
| 11 | 2000 | Ruth Ann Minner D def. John M. Burris R | 191,695 – 128,603 | +19.5 points |
| 12 | 2016 | John Carney D def. Colin Bonini R | 248,404 – 166,852 | +19.2 points |
| 13 | 1924 | Robert P. Robinson R def. Joseph Bancroft D | 52,236 – 35,640 | +18.7 points |
| 14 | 1976 | Pete du Pont R def. Sherman W. Tribbitt D | 130,531 – 97,480 | +14.4 points |
| 15 | 1896 | Ebe W. Tunnell D def. John H. Hoffecker R | 15,507 – 11,014 | +12.8 points |
| 16 | 2024 | Matt Meyer D def. Mike Ramone R | 279,585 – 219,050 | +12.1 points |
| 17 | 1920 | William D. Denney R def. Andrew J. Lynch D | 52,200 – 40,823 | +12.1 points |
| 18 | 1870 | James Ponder D def. Thomas B. Coursey R | 12,459 – 9,942 | +11.2 points |
| 19 | 1984 | Mike Castle R def. William T. Quillen D | 135,250 – 108,315 | +11.1 points |
| 20 | 1813 | Daniel Rodney F def. James Riddle D | 4,643 – 3,768 | +10.4 points |
| 21 | 1932 | C. Douglass Buck R def. Landreth L. Layton D | 60,903 – 50,401 | +9.3 points |
| 22 | 1819 | Henry Molleston F def. Manaen Bull D | 3,823 – 3,185 | +9.1 points |
| 23 | 1798 | Richard Bassett F def. David Hall D | 2,490 – 2,068 | +8.9 points |
| 24 | 1900 | John Hunn R def. Peter J. Ford D | 22,421 – 18,802 | +8.6 points |
| 25 | 1936 | Richard McMullen D def. Harry L. Cannon R | 62,437 – 52,782 | +7.8 points |