The 1978 congressional election for the Delegate from the District of Columbia was held on November 7, 1978. The winner of the race was Walter E. Fauntroy (D), who won his fourth re-election. All elected members would serve in 96th United States Congress. The non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the District of Columbia is elected for two-year terms, as are all other Representatives and Delegates minus the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, who is elected to a four-year term.