1974 Ohio gubernatorial election

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.

1974 Ohio gubernatorial election

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Jim Rhodes John J. Gilligan Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,493,679 1,482,191 Percentage 48.62% 48.25%

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

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on May 7, 1974.^[1]

Democratic primary

Candidates

• John J. Gilligan, incumbent Governor
• James D. Nolan

Results

Democratic primary results^[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	John J. Gilligan (incumbent)	713,488	70.58
	Democratic	James D. Nolan	297,244	29.41
Total votes			1,010,853	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Jim Rhodes, former Governor
• Charles E. Fry, State Representative
• Bert Dawson Jr.

Results

Republican primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Jim Rhodes	385,669	62.76
	Republican	Charles E. Fry	183,899	29.93
	Republican	Bert Dawson Jr.	44,938	7.31
Total votes			614,506	100.00

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

• Jim Rhodes, Republican
• John J. Gilligan, Democratic

Other candidates

• Nancy B. Lazar, Independent

Results

1974 Ohio gubernatorial election^[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Jim Rhodes	1,493,679	48.62%
	Democratic	John J. Gilligan (incumbent)	1,482,191	48.25%
	Independent	Nancy B. Lazar	95,625	3.11%
Majority			11,488
Turnout			3,071,495
	Republican gain from Democratic		Swing