J. James Exon Democratic Charles Thone Republican The 1978 Nebraska gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, and featured U.S. Representative Charles Thone, a Republican, defeating Democratic nominee, Lieutenant Governor Gerald T. Whelan.

Incumbent Governor J. James Exon, a Democrat, was barred from seeking a third term.

Exon was elected to the U.S. Senate that same day.

Orval Keyes ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.

This Nebraska elections-related article is a stub.