1974 United States gubernatorial elections

Last updated

1974 United States gubernatorial elections
Flag of the United States.svg
  1973 November 5, 1974 1975  

37 governorships
35 states; 2 territories
 Majority partyMinority party
 
Party Democratic Republican
Seats before3218
Seats after3613
Seat changeIncrease2.svg4Decrease2.svg5
Seats up2312
Seats won277

 Third party
 
Party Independent
Seats before0
Seats after1
Seat changeIncrease2.svg1
Seats up0
Seats won1

1974 United States gubernatorial elections results map.svg
  Republican hold
  Republican gain
  Democratic hold
  Democratic gain
  Independent gain

United States gubernatorial elections were held on November 5, 1974, in 35 states and two territories. The Democrats achieved a net gain of four seats, Republicans took a net loss of five seats, and one Independent was elected to the governorship of a state. This election coincided with the Senate and the House elections.

Contents

In Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas, governors were elected to four-year terms for the first time, instead of two-year terms. As of 2025, this is the last time that a Democrat was elected South Dakota governor. This is the first time a woman has been elected governor whose husband was not governor of any state. (In this case, Connecticut.)

Election results

States

StateIncumbentPartyFirst
elected
ResultCandidates
Alabama George Wallace Democratic 1962
1966 (term-limited)
1970
Incumbent re-elected. [1]
Alaska William A. Egan Democratic 1958
1966 (defeated)
1970
Incumbent lost re-election. [2]
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
Arizona Jack Williams Republican 1966 Incumbent retired. [3]
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
Arkansas Dale Bumpers Democratic 1970 Incumbent retired. [4]
New governor elected.
Democratic hold.
  • Green check.svgY David Pryor (Democratic) 65.57%
  • Ken Coon (Republican) 34.41%
California Ronald Reagan Republican 1966 Incumbent retired. [5]
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
Colorado John D. Vanderhoof Republican1973 [a] Incumbent lost election to full term. [6]
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
Connecticut Thomas Meskill Republican 1970 Incumbent retired. [7]
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
Florida Reubin Askew Democratic 1970 Incumbent re-elected. [8]
  • Green check.svgY Reubin Askew (Democratic) 58.35%
  • Jerry Thomas (Republican) 38.8%
Georgia Jimmy Carter Democratic 1970 Incumbent term-limited. [9]
New governor elected.
Democratic hold.
Hawaii John A. Burns Democratic 1962 Incumbent retired. [10]
New governor elected.
Democratic hold.
Idaho Cecil Andrus Democratic 1970 Incumbent re-elected. [11]
Iowa Robert D. Ray Republican 1968 Incumbent re-elected. [12]
Kansas Robert Docking Democratic 1966 Incumbent term-limited. [13]
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
Maine Kenneth M. Curtis Democratic 1970 Incumbent term-limited. [14]
New governor elected.
Independent gain.
Maryland Marvin Mandel Democratic 1966 Incumbent re-elected. [15]
Massachusetts Francis Sargent Republican1969 [b] Incumbent lost re-election. [16]
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
Michigan William Milliken Republican1969 [c] Incumbent re-elected. [17]
Minnesota Wendell R. Anderson Democratic 1970 Incumbent re-elected. [18]
Nebraska J. James Exon Democratic 1970 Incumbent re-elected. [19]
Nevada Mike O'Callaghan Democratic 1970 Incumbent re-elected. [20]
New Hampshire Meldrim Thomson Jr. Republican 1972 Incumbent re-elected. [21]
New Mexico Bruce King Democratic 1970 Incumbent term-limited. [22]
New governor elected.
Democratic hold.
New York Malcolm Wilson Republican1973 [d] Incumbent lost election to full term. [23]
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
Ohio John J. Gilligan Democratic 1970 Incumbent lost re-election. [24]
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
Oklahoma David Hall Democratic 1970 Incumbent lost re-nomination. [25]
New governor elected.
Democratic hold.
Oregon Tom McCall Republican 1966 Incumbent term-limited. [26]
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
Pennsylvania Milton Shapp Democratic 1970 Incumbent re-elected. [27]
  • Green check.svgY Milton Shapp (Democratic) 53.66%
  • Andrew L. Lewis Jr. (Republican) 45.11%
  • Stephen Depue (Constitutionalist) 0.96%
  • Frederick L. Stanton (Socialist Workers) 0.26%
Rhode Island Philip Noel Democratic 1972 Incumbent re-elected. [28]
  • Green check.svgY Philip Noel (Democratic) 78.48%
  • James Nugent (Republican) 21.52%
South Carolina John C. West Democratic 1970 Incumbent term-limited. [29]
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
South Dakota Richard F. Kneip Democratic 1970 Incumbent re-elected. [30]
Tennessee Winfield Dunn Republican 1970 Incumbent term-limited. [31]
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
Texas Dolph Briscoe Democratic 1972 Incumbent re-elected. [32]
Vermont Thomas P. Salmon Democratic 1972 Incumbent re-elected. [33]
Wisconsin Patrick Lucey Democratic 1970 Incumbent re-elected. [34]
Wyoming Stanley K. Hathaway Republican 1966 Incumbent retired. [35]
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.

Territories and federal district

TerritoryIncumbentPartyFirst
elected
ResultCandidates
District of Columbia None (New office)New office.
New mayor elected.
Democratic gain.
  • Green check.svgY Walter Washington (Democratic) 82.5%
  • Sam Harris (Independent) 7.3%
  • Jackson R. Champion (Republican) 3.7%
  • Raymond V. Ellis (Independent) 2.9%
  • Nan Bailey (Socialist Workers) 2.3%
  • Tommye Lynn Grant (Independent) 1.3%
Guam Carlos Camacho Republican1970Incumbent lost re-election.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.

Closest races

States where the margin of victory was under 1%:

  1. Alaska, 0.3%
  2. Ohio, 0.37%
  3. Kansas, 0.47%
  4. Arizona, 0.85%

States where the margin of victory was under 5%:

  1. New Mexico, 1.14%
  2. New Hampshire, 2.36%
  3. Guam, 2.8%
  4. Maine, 2.81%
  5. California, 2.86%
  6. South Carolina, 3.27%
  7. Michigan, 4.32%

States where the margin of victory was under 10%:

  1. South Dakota, 7.22%
  2. Colorado, 7.57%
  3. Pennsylvania, 8.55%
  4. Hawaii, 9.16%

Alabama

1974 Alabama gubernatorial election
Flag of Alabama.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  George Wallace official portrait (3x4).jpg Elvin McCary.webp
Nominee George Wallace Elvin McCary
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote497,57488,381
Percentage83.16%14.77%

1974 Alabama gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Wallace:     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%

Governor before election

George Wallace
Democratic

Elected Governor

George Wallace
Democratic

The 1974 Alabama gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Democratic governor George Wallace was reelected in a landslide over his Republican opponent, businessman and former state senator Elvin McCary. Wallace was the first Alabama governor to win election to a second consecutive term, as the state's Constitution was amended in 1968 to allow governors to serve a maximum two elected consecutive terms. This was also Wallace's first campaign after having been paralyzed following being shot by Arthur Bremer in an assassination attempt during Wallace's run for the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination.

Alaska

1974 Alaska gubernatorial election
Flag of Alaska.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Jay Hammond 1975.jpg William A. Egan.jpg
Nominee Jay Hammond Bill Egan
Party Republican Democratic
Running mate Lowell Thomas Jr. Red Boucher
Popular vote45,84045,553
Percentage47.67%47.37%

1974 Alaska gubernatorial election by State House District.svg
Results by state house district
Hammond:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Egan:     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

Bill Egan
Democratic

Elected Governor

Jay Hammond
Republican

The 1974 Alaska gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974, for the post of Governor of Alaska. Republican challenger and mayor of Bristol Bay Borough Jay Hammond narrowly beat Democratic incumbent Bill Egan in a close race that was forced into a recount to verify the results. The formation of the new Alaskan Independence Party was considered to have a large impact on the race. Hammond had defeated former governors Wally Hickel and Keith Harvey Miller for the Republican nomination, while Egan defeated Eben Hopson and Don Wright for the Democratic nomination.

Arizona

1974 Arizona gubernatorial election
Flag of Arizona.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Raul Hector Castro swearing in as Ambassador to Argentina (cropped).jpg No image.svg
Nominee Raúl Héctor Castro Russell Williams
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote278,375273,674
Percentage50.4%49.6%

1974 Arizona gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Castro:      50–60%     60–70%
Williams:      50–60%

Governor before election

Jack Williams
Republican

Elected Governor

Raúl Héctor Castro
Democratic

The 1974 Arizona gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Governor Jack Williams decided not to run for a fourth term as governor. Former United States Ambassador to Bolivia Raúl Héctor Castro, who was the Democratic nominee in 1970, won the Democratic nomination again in 1974, and narrowly won the general election, defeating Republican nominee Russell Williams by 0.85%. Castro was sworn into his first and only term as governor on January 6, 1975.

Prior to the election, there was a recall effort led by Cesar Chavez against incumbent Governor Jack Williams, with 180,000 signatures submitted. Many of the signatures were invalidated by the Attorney General Gary Nelson, but this was eventually overturned. By the time this occurred, however, it was meaningless due to the close proximity of the 1974 gubernatorial election, and thus a recall election did not occur. [36]

Approximately two years into his term as governor, Castro would resign to become United States Ambassador to Argentina.

Arkansas

1974 Arkansas gubernatorial election
Flag of Arkansas (1924-2011).svg
  1972 November 5, 1974 1976  
  David Pryor (3x4a).jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee David Pryor Ken Coon
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote358,018187,872
Percentage65.57%34.41%

1974 Arkansas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Pryor:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Coon:     50–60%

Governor before election

Dale Bumpers
Democratic

Elected Governor

David Pryor
Democratic

The 1974 Arkansas gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Democratic Governor Dale Bumpers retired to run for the U.S. Senate. Democratic nominee David Pryor defeated Republican nominee Ken Coon with 65.57% of the vote.

California

1974 California gubernatorial election
Flag of California.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Jerry Brown 1974.jpg Houston I. Flournoy, 1971 Color Correction.jpg
Nominee Jerry Brown Houston Flournoy
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote3,131,6482,952,954
Percentage50.11%47.25%

1974 California gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
1974 California gubernatorial election by Congressional District.svg
Brown:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Flournoy:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

Ronald Reagan
Republican

Elected Governor

Jerry Brown
Democratic

The 1974 California gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974. The primary elections occurred on June 4, 1974. Incumbent Governor and former actor Ronald Reagan retired after two terms. Democratic Secretary of State Jerry Brown, son of former Governor Pat Brown, defeated Republican Controller Houston I. Flournoy in the general election. This is the first election since 1958 to not feature a Republican candidate that went on to become a U.S. president.

Colorado

1974 Colorado gubernatorial election
Flag of Colorado.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Richard Lamm (CO).png John D. Vanderhoof (Colorado Governor) (cropped).jpg
Nominee Richard Lamm John Vanderhoof
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate George Brown Ted Strickland
Popular vote441,199378,907
Percentage53.22%45.71%

1974 Colorado gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Lamm:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
     70–80%
Vanderhoof:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

John Vanderhoof
Republican

Elected Governor

Richard Lamm
Democratic

The 1974 Colorado gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Democratic nominee Richard Lamm defeated incumbent Republican John D. Vanderhoof with 53.22% of the vote.

Connecticut

1974 Connecticut gubernatorial election
Flag of Connecticut.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Ella Grasso.jpg RHSteele.png
Nominee Ella Grasso Robert H. Steele
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Robert K. Killian Nathan G. Agostinelli
Popular vote643,490440,169
Percentage58.35%39.92%

1974 Connecticut gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
1974 Connecticut gubernatorial election results map by municipality.svg
Steele:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Grasso:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Pallone:     70–80%

Governor before election

Thomas Meskill
Republican

Elected Governor

Ella Grasso
Democratic

The 1974 Connecticut gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Democratic nominee Ella Grasso defeated Republican nominee Robert H. Steele with 58.35% of the vote. Grasso thus became the first woman to be elected Governor of Connecticut and the first woman elected governor of a US state who was not the spouse or widow of a former Governor.

Florida

1974 Florida gubernatorial election
Flag of Florida (1900-1985).svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Governor Reubin Askew.jpg Portrait of Florida legislative senator Jerry Thomas.jpg
Nominee Reubin Askew Jerry Thomas
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate J. H. Williams Mike Thompson
Popular vote1,118,954709,438
Percentage61.2%38.8%

1974 Florida gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results

Askew:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Thomas:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Governor before election

Reubin Askew
Democratic

Elected Governor

Reubin Askew
Democratic

The 1974 Florida gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Democratic Governor Reubin Askew won re-election to a second term.

Georgia

1974 Georgia gubernatorial election
Flag of the State of Georgia (1956-2001).svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  George Busbee (cropped).jpg Ronnie Thompson 4.jpg
Nominee George Busbee Ronnie Thompson
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote646,777289,113
Percentage69.1%30.9%

1974 Georgia gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Busbee:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Thompson:     50–60%

Governor before election

Jimmy Carter
Democratic

Elected Governor

George Busbee
Democratic

The 1974 Georgia gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Under Georgia's constitution at the time, incumbent Democratic governor Jimmy Carter was ineligible to serve a second consecutive term. He was elected President of the United States in the 1976 presidential election. George Busbee was elected as the 77th Governor of Georgia.

Hawaii

1974 Hawaii gubernatorial election
Flag of Hawaii.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  George Ariyoshi, 1974 (cropped).jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee George Ariyoshi Randolph Crossley
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Nelson Doi Benjamin F. Dillingham II
Popular vote136,262113,388
Percentage54.6%45.4%

1974 Hawaii gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Ariyoshi:     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

John A. Burns
Democratic

Elected Governor

George Ariyoshi
Democratic

The 1974 Hawaii gubernatorial election was Hawaii's fifth gubernatorial election. The election was held on November 5, 1974, and resulted in a victory for the Democratic candidate, Lt. Gov. George Ariyoshi over Republican candidate, former State Senator Randolph Crossley. [37] Ariyoshi received more votes than Crossley in every county in the state. [38]

Although he was by law Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii at the time of this election, George Ariyoshi had had all the power and responsibility of the Governorship since October 26, 1973, when Governor John A. Burns was incapacitated due to illness and Ariyoshi was made acting governor. [39] [40]

This was Crossley's second failed attempt to win the Governorship, having previously lost the 1966 election.

Idaho

1974 Idaho gubernatorial election
Flag of Idaho.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Cecil D Andrus.png 3x4.svg
Nominee Cecil Andrus Jack Murphy
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote184,14268,731
Percentage70.92%26.47%

1974 Idaho gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Andrus:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Murphy:     50–60%

Governor before election

Cecil Andrus
Democratic

Elected Governor

Cecil Andrus
Democratic

The 1974 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on Tuesday, November 5. Incumbent Democrat Cecil Andrus soundly defeated Republican nominee Jack Murphy, the lieutenant governor, with 70.92% of the vote. [41] [42] [43] [44]

Iowa

1974 Iowa gubernatorial election
Flag of Iowa (xrmap collection).svg
  1972 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Robert Ray official.jpg James Schaben.jpg
Nominee Robert D. Ray James Schaben
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote534,518377,553
Percentage58.1%41.0%

1974 Iowa gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results

Ray:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Schaben:     50–60%

Governor before election

Robert D. Ray
Republican

Elected Governor

Robert D. Ray
Republican

The 1974 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Republican Robert D. Ray defeated Democratic nominee James Schaben with 58.07% of the vote.

Kansas

1974 Kansas gubernatorial election
Flag of Kansas.svg
  1972 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Robert Bennett (1978) (cropped).png 3x4.svg
Nominee Robert F. Bennett Vern Miller
Party Republican Democratic
Running mate Shelby Smith Jack Steineger
Popular vote387,792384,115
Percentage49.5%49.0%

1974 Kansas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Bennett:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Miller:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

Robert Docking
Democratic

Elected Governor

Robert Frederick Bennett
Republican

The 1974 Kansas gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Republican nominee Robert Frederick Bennett narrowly defeated Democratic nominee Vern Miller with 49.5% of the vote.

Maine

1974 Maine gubernatorial election
Flag of Maine.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  James B. Longley (Maine governor) (cropped).jpg George John Mitchell.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee James B. Longley George J. Mitchell James S. Erwin
Party Independent Democratic Republican
Popular vote142,464132,21984,176
Percentage39.7%36.8%23.5%

1974 Maine gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
1974 Maine gubernatorial election results map by municipality.svg
Longley:     30-40%     40-50%     50–60%     60-70%     70–80%
Mitchell:     30–40%     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Erwin:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     >90%
Tie:     40-50%

Governor before election

Kenneth M. Curtis
Democratic

Elected Governor

James B. Longley
Independent

The 1974 Maine gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Democratic Governor Kenneth M. Curtis was term-limited and could not seek re-election. Independent candidate James B. Longley defeated Democratic Party challenger (and future Senate Majority Leader) George J. Mitchell and Republican James Erwin in a tight three-way contest. Longley's victory made him the first independent (non-party-affiliated) governor in Maine's history.

Maryland

1974 Maryland gubernatorial election
Flag of Maryland.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Marvin Mandel (MD).png 3x4.svg
Nominee Marvin Mandel Louise Gore
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Blair Lee III Frank B. Wade
Popular vote602,648346,449
Percentage63.50%36.50%

1974 Maryland gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results

Mandel:     50-60%     60-70%     70-80%

Gore:     50-60%

Governor before election

Marvin Mandel
Democratic

Elected Governor

Marvin Mandel
Democratic

The 1974 Maryland gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Democrat Marvin Mandel defeated Republican nominee Louise Gore with 63.50% of the vote.

Massachusetts

1974 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
Flag of Massachusetts.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
Turnout74.64% Decrease2.svg 0.53
  Governor Dukakis speaks at the 1976 Democratic National Convention (cropped).jpg Governor Francis Sargent (cropped).jpg
Nominee Michael Dukakis Francis Sargent
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Thomas O'Neill III Donald Dwight
Popular vote992,284784,353
Percentage53.50%42.29%

1974 Massachusetts gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
1974 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Election by Municipality.svg
Dukakis:     30–40%     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Sargent:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

Governor before election

Francis Sargent
Republican

Elected Governor

Michael Dukakis
Democratic

The 1974 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Michael Dukakis was elected to a four-year term, from January 2, 1975 until January 4, 1979. He defeated incumbent Governor of Massachusetts Francis W. Sargent in the general election.

Michigan

1974 Michigan gubernatorial election
Flag of Michigan.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1978  
Turnout55.52%
  William Milliken 1969.png Sander M Levin.jpg
Nominee William Milliken Sander Levin
Party Republican Democratic
Running mate James Damman Paul Brown
Popular vote1,356,8651,242,247
Percentage51.1%46.8%

1974 Michigan gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Milliken:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Levin:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

William G. Milliken
Republican

Governor

William G. Milliken
Republican

The 1974 Michigan gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. William Milliken was elected to his second term as Governor of Michigan in a rematch with Sander Levin. [45] This was the last time until 1990 that the state elected a governor of the same party as the sitting president.

Minnesota

1974 Minnesota gubernatorial election
Flag of Minnesota (1957-1983).svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Wendell Anderson (D-MN) (cropped).jpg John W Johnson.jpg
Nominee Wendell Anderson John W. Johnson
Party Democratic (DFL) Republican
Running mate Rudy Perpich Dwaine Hoberg
Popular vote786,787376,722
Percentage62.80%29.35%

1974 Minnesota gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Anderson:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Governor before election

Wendell Anderson
Democratic (DFL)

Elected Governor

Wendell Anderson
Democratic (DFL)

The 1974 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974. The 1974 election was the first election where the Governor and Lieutenant Governor ran on the same ticket. Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party candidate Wendell Anderson defeated Republican Party of Minnesota challenger John W. Johnson.

Nebraska

1974 Nebraska gubernatorial election
Flag of Nebraska.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  1979 p80 J James Exon.jpg Richard D Marvel.jpg Ernie Chambers.png
Nominee James Exon Richard D. Marvel Ernie Chambers (Write-in)
Party Democratic Republican Independent
Running mate Gerald T. Whelan Anne S. Batchelder
Popular vote267,012159,78024,320
Percentage59.2%35.4%5.4%

1974 Nebraska gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Exon:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Marvel:     40–50%     50–60%

Governor before election

James Exon
Democratic

Elected Governor

James Exon
Democratic

The 1974 Nebraska gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974, and featured incumbent Governor James Exon, a Democrat, defeating Republican nominee, state Senator Richard D. Marvel. Independent state Senator Ernie Chambers also captured 5% of the vote as a write-in candidate. This was the first gubernatorial election in Nebraska in which the nominees for Governor and Lieutenant Governor ran as a single ticket in the general election, though they were chosen in separate primary elections.

Nevada

1974 Nevada gubernatorial election
Flag of Nevada (1929-1991).svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1978  
  D. N. Mike O'Callaghan (Nevada Governor).jpg 3x4.svg 3x4.svg
Nominee Mike O'Callaghan Shirley CrumplerJames Houston
Party Democratic Republican Independent American
Popular vote114,11428,95926,285
Percentage67.38%17.10%15.52%

1974 Nevada gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
O'Callaghan:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

Governor before election

Mike O'Callaghan
Democratic

Elected Governor

Mike O'Callaghan
Democratic

The 1974 Nevada gubernatorial election occurred on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Democrat Mike O'Callaghan successfully ran for re-election to a second term as Governor of Nevada, defeating Republican nominee Shirley Crumpler and Independent American nominee James Hay Houston.

New Hampshire

1974 New Hampshire gubernatorial election
Flag of New Hampshire.svg
  1972 November 5, 1974 1976  
  Meldrim Thomson (cropped).jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Meldrim Thomson Jr. Richard W. Leonard
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote115,933110,591
Percentage51.15%48.79%

1974 New Hampshire gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
1974 New Hampshire gubernatorial election results map by municipality.svg
Thomson:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Leonard:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
No Data/Vote:     

Governor before election

Meldrim Thomson Jr.
Republican

Elected Governor

Meldrim Thomson Jr.
Republican

The 1974 New Hampshire gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Republican Governor Meldrim Thomson Jr. defeated Democratic nominee Richard W. Leonard with 51.15% of the vote.

New Mexico

1974 New Mexico gubernatorial election
Flag of New Mexico.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Jerry Apodaca.jpg JoeSkeen.jpg
Nominee Jerry Apodaca Joe Skeen
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote164,172160,430
Percentage49.94%48.80%

1974 New Mexico gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Apodaca:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Skeen:     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

Bruce King
Democratic

Elected Governor

Jerry Apodaca
Democratic

The 1974 New Mexico gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974, in order to elect the Governor of New Mexico. Due to term limits, incumbent Democrat Bruce King was ineligible to seek a second term as governor. Democrat Jerry Apodaca narrowly defeated Republican Joe Skeen. This election saw Hidalgo County vote for a Republican gubernatorial candidate for the first time ever.

New York

1974 New York gubernatorial election
Flag of New York (1909-2020).svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Hugh Carey - 1977 NFTA Report (cropped).jpg Malcolm Wilson (Governor of New York).jpg
Nominee Hugh Carey Malcolm Wilson
Party Democratic Republican
Alliance Liberal Conservative
Running mate Mary Anne Krupsak Ralph G. Caso
Popular vote3,028,5032,219,667
Percentage57.22%41.94%

1974 New York gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results

Carey:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Wilson:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

Malcolm Wilson
Republican

Elected Governor

Hugh Carey
Democratic

The 1974 New York gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974 to elect the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New York. Incumbent Republican governor Malcolm Wilson, who had ascended to the governorship following Nelson Rockefeller's resignation to begin work with the Commission on Critical Choices for Americans in 1973, was defeated by Democratic Hugh Carey. Carey became the first Democratic Governor of New York since W. Averell Harriman left office in 1958 after suffering defeat from Nelson Rockefeller in the election that same year.

Ohio

1974 Ohio gubernatorial election
Flag of Ohio.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Jim Rhodes in Bettsville, Ohio October 15, 1981 (1).jpg John Gilligan (1973).png
Nominee Jim Rhodes John J. Gilligan
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote1,493,6791,482,191
Percentage48.62%48.25%

1974 Ohio gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results

Rhodes:     40-50%     50-60%     60-70%     70-80%

Gilligan:     40-50%     50-60%     60-70%

Governor before election

John J. Gilligan
Democratic

Elected Governor

Jim Rhodes
Republican

The 1974 Ohio gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Republican nominee Jim Rhodes narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent John J. Gilligan with 48.62% of the vote.

Oklahoma

1974 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
Flag of Oklahoma (1941-1988).svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  David Boren (OK).png Jim Inhofe, official 100th Congress photo.png
Nominee David Boren Jim Inhofe
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote514,389290,459
Percentage63.9%36.1%

1974 Oklahoma gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Boren:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Inhofe:     50–60%

Governor before election

David Hall
Democratic

Elected Governor

David Boren
Democratic

The 1974 Oklahoma gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974, and was a race for Governor of Oklahoma. Democrat David Boren defeated Clem McSpadden in a run-off to claim his party's nomination after embattled incumbent David Hall was eliminated in the initial primary. Boren won the general election handily over Republican Jim Inhofe., [46] who later won a 1994 U.S. Senate special election triggered by Boren's impending resignation to become the University of Oklahoma's president.

Oregon

1974 Oregon gubernatorial election
Flag of Oregon.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Robert W. Straub 1974 (cropped).jpg Victor Atiyeh 1974.jpg
Nominee Robert Straub Victor Atiyeh
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote444,812324,751
Percentage57.7%42.1%

1974 Oregon gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results:

Straub:     50–60%     60–70%

Atiyeh:     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

Tom McCall
Republican

Elected Governor

Robert Straub
Democratic

The 1974 Oregon gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974. Democratic nominee Robert Straub, endorsed by the outgoing governor Tom McCall, defeated Republican nominee Victor Atiyeh.

Pennsylvania

1974 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election
Flag of Pennsylvania.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1978  
  Milton Shapp (1976).png Drew lewis (cropped).jpg
Nominee Milton Shapp Drew Lewis
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Ernie Kline Ken Lee
Popular vote1,878,2521,578,917
Percentage53.66%45.11%

1974 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Shapp:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%
Lewis:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

Milton Shapp
Democratic

Elected Governor

Milton Shapp
Democratic

The 1974 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election was held on November 5. Incumbent Democratic Governor Milton Shapp defeated Republican Drew Lewis. Under the state's 1968 constitution, Shapp was the first governor who was eligible to run for consecutive terms. [47] [48]

Rhode Island

1974 Rhode Island gubernatorial election
Flag of Rhode Island.svg
  1972 November 5, 1974 1976  
  RI Governor Philip W. Noel (cropped).jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Philip Noel James W. Nugent
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote252,43669,224
Percentage78.48%21.52%

1974 Rhode Island gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
1974 Rhode Island gubernatorial election results map by municipality.svg
Noel:      60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

Governor before election

Philip Noel
Democratic

Elected Governor

Philip Noel
Democratic

The 1974 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Democrat Philip Noel defeated Republican nominee James W. Nugent with 78.48% of the vote.

South Carolina

1974 South Carolina gubernatorial election
Flag of South Carolina.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  U.S. Secretary of Energy James Edwards of South Carolina (cropped).jpg W. J. Bryan Dorn.jpg
Nominee James B. Edwards W.J. Bryan Dorn
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote266,338248,861
Percentage50.3%47.0%

1974 South Carolina gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Edwards:     50–60%     60–70%
Dorn:     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%

Governor before election

John Carl West
Democratic

Elected Governor

James B. Edwards
Republican

The 1974 South Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974 to select the governor of the state of South Carolina. Initially considered a longshot candidate, [49] Republican James B. Edwards defeated Democrat W. J. Bryan Dorn with a narrow majority of the vote.

South Dakota

1974 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Flag of South Dakota (1963-1992).svg
  1972 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1978  
  Dick Kneip.jpg 3x4.svg
Nominee Richard F. Kneip John E. Olson
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Harvey L. Wollman Charles Clay
Popular vote149,151129,077
Percentage53.6%46.4%

1974 South Dakota gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Kneip:      50–60%     60–70%
Olson:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%

Governor before election

Richard F. Kneip
Democratic

Governor

Richard F. Kneip
Democratic

The 1974 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974, to elect a Governor of South Dakota. This election was the first in South Dakota to elect the governor for a four-year term, after it was allowed by a constitutional amendment passed in 1972. [50] Democratic nominee and Governor Richard F. Kneip was re-elected, defeating Republican nominee John E. Olson. As of 2024, this is the last time that a Democrat was elected Governor of South Dakota, marking the start of the longest Republican winning streak in the country for a state's governorship, as well as the longest gubernatorial winning streak by a single party.

Tennessee

1974 Tennessee gubernatorial election
Flag of Tennessee.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Ray Blanton.jpg Lamar Alexander (TN) (cropped).png
Nominee Ray Blanton Lamar Alexander
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote576,833455,467
Percentage55.43%43.77%

1974 Tennessee gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Blanton:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
     80–90%
Alexander:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

Winfield Dunn
Republican

Elected Governor

Ray Blanton
Democratic

The 1974 Tennessee gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974, to elect the next governor of Tennessee. Incumbent Republican governor Winfield Dunn was ineligible to run for re-election, as the Constitution of Tennessee prohibited governors from serving consecutive terms at the time. Democratic nominee Ray Blanton defeated Republican opponent Lamar Alexander with 55.4% of the vote.

Texas

1974 Texas gubernatorial election
Flag of Texas.svg
  1972 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Dolph Briscoe, 1976 (3x4 crop).jpg Jim Granberry.jpg Ramsey Muniz 1972 Edit.jpg
Nominee Dolph Briscoe Jim Granberry Ramsey Muñiz
Party Democratic Republican Raza Unida
Popular vote1,016,334514,72593,295
Percentage61.4%31.1%5.6%

1974 Texas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Briscoe:     40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%     >90%
Granberry:     50–60%
Muñiz:     50–60%

Governor before election

Dolph Briscoe
Democratic

Elected Governor

Dolph Briscoe
Democratic

The 1974 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974, to elect the governor of Texas. Incumbent Democratic governor Dolph Briscoe was easily re-elected to a second term, winning 61% of the vote to the 31% of Republican Jim Granberry, the former mayor of Lubbock. Raza Unida candidate Ramsey Muniz won 6%, while the remaining 2% were cast for other candidates. [51]

Vermont

1974 Vermont gubernatorial election
Flag of Vermont.svg
  1972 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1976  
  Thomas P. Salmon (cropped).jpg WalterKennnedy.png MarthaAbbott.png
Nominee Thomas P. Salmon Walter L. Kennedy Martha Abbott
Party Democratic Republican Liberty Union
Popular vote79,84253,6727,629
Percentage56.5%38.1%5.4%

1974 Vermont gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
1974 Vermont gubernatorial election results map by municipality.svg
Salmon:     40-50%     50-60%     60-70%     70-80%     80-90%
Kennedy:     40-50%     50-60%     60-70%     70-80%     >90%

Governor before election

Thomas P. Salmon
Democratic

Elected Governor

Thomas P. Salmon
Democratic

The 1974 Vermont gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Democrat Thomas P. Salmon ran successfully for a second term as Governor of Vermont, defeating Republican candidate Walter L. Kennedy and Liberty Union candidate Martha Abbott.

Wisconsin

1974 Wisconsin gubernatorial election
Flag of Wisconsin (1913-1981).svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 1978  
  Patrick Lucey.png William Dyke.jpg
Nominee Patrick J. Lucey William Dyke
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Martin J. Schreiber John M. Alberts
Popular vote628,639497,195
Percentage53.19%42.06%

1974 Wisconsin gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Lucey:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%     70–80%     80–90%
Dyke:      40–50%     50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

Patrick J. Lucey
Democratic

Elected Governor

Patrick J. Lucey
Democratic

The 1974 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Democrat Patrick Lucey won the election with 53% of the vote, winning his second term as Governor of Wisconsin and defeating Republican William Dyke. [52]

Wyoming

1974 Wyoming gubernatorial election
Flag of Wyoming.svg
  1970 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1978  
  Governor Ed Herschler during a ceremony, June 1, 1977 (cropped).JPEG 3x4.svg
Nominee Edgar Herschler Dick Jones
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote71,74156,645
Percentage55.88%44.12%

1974 Wyoming gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results
Herschler:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%
Jones:      50–60%     60–70%

Governor before election

Stanley Hathaway
Republican

Elected Governor

Edgar Herschler
Democratic

The 1974 Wyoming gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Republican Stanley Hathaway chose to retire than run for a third term as Governor of Wyoming. Former Democratic State Representative Edgar Herschler defeated former Republican State Senator Dick Jones.

Territories and federal district

District of Columbia

1974 United States gubernatorial elections
Flag of Washington, D.C.svg
November 5, 1974 1978  
  Walterwashington (1).jpg 3x4.svg 3x4.svg
Nominee Walter Washington Sam HarrisJackson R. Champion
Party Democratic Independent Republican
Popular vote84,6767,5143,703
Percentage80.5%7.1%3.5%

DC 1974 Mayorial Election By Ward.svg
Results by ward
Washington
  70-80%
  80-90%

  1. Vanderhoof took office after his predecessor (John Arthur Love) resigned.
  2. Sargent took office after his predecessor (John Volpe) resigned.
  3. Milliken took office after his predecessor (George W. Romney) resigned.
  4. Wilson took office after his predecessor (Nelson Rockefeller) resigned.

References

  1. "AL Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  2. "AK Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  3. "AZ Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  4. "AR Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  5. "CA Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  6. "CO Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  7. "CT Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  8. "FL Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  9. "GA Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  10. "HI Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  11. "ID Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  12. "IA Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  13. "KS Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  14. "ME Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  15. "MD Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  16. "MA Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  17. "MI Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  18. "MN Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  19. "NE Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  20. "NV Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  21. "NH Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  22. "NM Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  23. "NY Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  24. "OH Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  25. "OK Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  26. "OR Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  27. "PA Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  28. "RI Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  29. "SC Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  30. "SD Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  31. "TN Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  32. "TX Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  33. "VT Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  34. "WI Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 23, 2020.
  35. "WY Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
  36. "Help Center - the Arizona Republic".
  37. "Candidate – Randolph Crossley". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  38. "HI Governor Race – Nov 05, 1974". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  39. "HI Governor - Succession Race - Oct 14, 1973". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  40. "George Ryoichi Ariyoshi - Hawaii History - Governors". Hawaii History. Archived from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  41. "Andrus wins with record margin". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Associated Press. November 6, 1974. p. 1.
  42. "The people voted a series of contradictions". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). Associated Press. November 7, 1974. p. 1.
  43. "Andrus leads Democrats to big Idaho win". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. November 6, 1974. p. 9.
  44. Cook, Rhodes (November 5, 2013). America Votes 30: 2011-2012, Election Returns by State - Rhodes Cook. CQ Press. ISBN   9781452290171 . Retrieved January 29, 2019.
  45. 2011–2012 Michigan Manual: Chapter IX—Elections: Summary of Vote for Governor, 1835-2010
  46. "1968-1974 results" (PDF). Oklahoma State Election Board. pp. 47, 50, 55, 57.
  47. "Democrats Regain Control." Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 6, 1974, p. 7 (subscription required).
  48. Allan Jr., William. "Wait Until Next Time, County Republicans Sigh." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Press, November 6, 1974, p. 2 (subscription required).
  49. Weber, Bruce (December 27, 2014). "James B. Edwards, a Long-Shot as Governor of South Carolina, Dies at 87". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  50. Public affairs, Issues 52-108. February 1973. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
  51. "Our Campaigns - TX Governor Race - Nov 05, 1974". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  52. Joint Committee on Legislative Organization, Wisconsin Legislature (2015). Wisconsin Blue Book 2015-2016. Madison, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Department of Administration. pp. 699–701. ISBN   978-0-9752820-7-6.