The Pennsylvania gubernational election of 1978 was held on November 7, 1978 between Republican Dick Thornburgh and Democrat Pete Flaherty. The race began with a primary that slated an impressive field of candidates. Flaherty, the Mayor of Pittsburgh, bested State Auditor General Bob Casey, who had lost the Democratic nomination for this office twice before. Casey's campaign was greatly hurt by the presence of another Bob Casey who was running on the ballot for Lieutenant Governor; voters apparently believed they were selecting a ticket of Flaherty and the Auditor General when they chose the Pittsburgh teacher as the Democratic runningmate.