1970 Iowa gubernatorial election

The 1970 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1970. Incumbent Republican Robert D. Ray narrowly defeated Democratic nominee Robert D. Fulton with 50.98% of the vote.

1970 Iowa gubernatorial election

← 1968 November 3, 1970 1972 →

Nominee Robert D. Ray Robert D. Fulton Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 403,394 368,911 Percentage 51.0% 46.6%

County results Ray:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Fulton:      40–50%      50–60%

Governor before election Robert D. Ray Republican Elected Governor Robert D. Ray Republican

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on June 2, 1970.^[1]

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Robert D. Fulton, former Governor
• William J. Gannon, State Representative
• Robert L. Nereim

Results

Democratic primary results^[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Robert D. Fulton	48,459	46.69
	Democratic	William J. Gannon	46,524	44.83
	Democratic	Robert L. Nereim	8,796	8.48
	Democratic	Write-ins	8	0.01
Total votes			103,787	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Robert D. Ray, incumbent Governor

Results

Republican primary results^[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Robert D. Ray (incumbent)	144,635	99.98
	Republican	Write-ins	35	0.02
Total votes			144,670	100.00

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

• Robert D. Ray, Republican
• Robert D. Fulton, Democratic

Other candidates

• Robert Dilley, American Independent

Results

1970 Iowa gubernatorial election^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Robert D. Ray (incumbent)	403,394	50.98%
	Democratic	Robert D. Fulton	368,911	46.62%
	American Independent	Robert Dilley	18,933	2.39%
	Write-ins		3	0.00%
Majority			34,483	4.36%
Turnout			791,241
	Republican hold		Swing