United States Presidential Election of 1980

Reagan defeated Carter 489 to 49 as the conservative era opened.

Overview

Inflation, hostage misery in Iran, and a malaise mood met Ronald Reagan's are you better off question and sunny conservatism. Reagan won 489 to 49 with 50.8 percent, sweeping the Senate into Republican hands for the first time since 1952, while independent John Anderson drew 6.6 percent. Carter conceded before the West Coast finished voting on the hostage anniversary. The result launched the Reagan realignment of taxes, defense, and a working conservative majority that reshaped both parties' directions for a generation.