Presidential election of 1980

The 1980 U.S. presidential election was a contest between incumbent President Jimmy Carter and challenger Ronald Reagan. Reagan, a former governor, campaigned on restoring economic prosperity, strengthening national defense, and reducing government regulation. Facing economic difficulties, high inflation, and the Iran hostage crisis, Carter struggled to rally voters. Reagan’s optimistic message and appeals to conservative values resonated with many Americans. Reagan won the election decisively, securing 489 electoral votes to Carter’s 49, marking a shift toward conservative policies and a more assertive foreign policy direction for the U.S.