During the 1980 federal election, held on February 18, 1980, of that year, Mathews ran as the National Party candidate in Ottawa Centre.
Don Hayward was the party's candidate in the Toronto riding of Broadview—Greenwood.
He received 53 votes (0.17%), finishing seventh against New Democratic Party candidate Bob Rae.
A 33-year-old factory worker, he expressed concern about American dominance of Canadian industry.
It should not be confused with the National Party that nominated candidates in the 1993 election.