| Election Name: | 1979 Durham mayoral election |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1977 Durham mayoral election |
| Previous Year: | 1977 |
| Next Election: | 1981 Durham mayoral election |
| Next Year: | 1981 |
| Election Date: | November 6, 1979 |
| Image1: | 3x4.svg |
| Nominee1: | Harry E. Rodenhizer |
| Party1: | Nonpartisan politician |
| Popular Vote1: | 9,641 |
| Percentage1: | 53.4% |
| Nominee2: | Margaret Q. Keller |
| Party2: | Nonpartisan politician |
| Popular Vote2: | 8,399 |
| Percentage2: | 46.6% |
| Map Size: | x300px |
| Mayor | |
| Before Election: | Wade L. Cavin |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Harry E. Rodenhizer |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
The 1979 Durham mayoral election was held on November 6, 1979 to elect the mayor of Durham, North Carolina. It saw the election of Harry E. Rodenhizer Jr., who unseated incumbent mayor Wade L. Cavin.
The date of the primary was October 9.