June 3, 1980
Special Election
Special Election to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of State Senator Jerry Smith (SD-12). Smith resigned after being appointed to the California Court of Appeals.
| SD-12 | |||
| Rod Diridon | Democratic | 35.4% | Loss |
| Dan O'Keefe | Republican | 52.7% | Win |
| William C. "Bill" White | Libertarian | 11.9% | Loss |
