1979 Indianapolis mayoral election


The Indianapolis mayoral election of 1979 took place on November 6, 1979 and saw the reelection of Republican William H. Hudnut III.
Hadnut defeated Democratic former city-county councilman Paul Cantwell in what was reported to have been the greatest margin of defeat for a Democratic candidate in an Indianapolis mayoral election in 150 years. Cantwell had resigned his City-County Council seat to focus on his campaign.
Ahead of the election season, Hadnut had demonstrated a strong advantage in polls. Top prospective Democratic candidates declined to run.
Cantwell was struggled to raise funds, ultimately raising only $38,000. Hadnut, meanwhile, spent $278,000 dollars during his campaign.

Results