1974 United States gubernatorial elections

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.

1974 United States gubernatorial elections

← 1973 November 5, 1974 1975 →
37 governorships 35 states; 2 territories
Majority party Minority party   Party Democratic Republican Seats before 32 18 Seats after 36 13 Seat change 4 5 Seats up 23 12 Seats won 27 7   Third party   Party Independent Seats before 0 Seats after 1 Seat change 1 Seats up 0 Seats won 1
Republican hold   Republican gain   Democratic hold   Democratic gain   Independent gain

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

State	Incumbent	Party	First elected	Result	Candidates
Alabama	George Wallace	Democratic	1962 1966 (term-limited) 1970	Incumbent re-elected.[1]	Y George Wallace (Democratic) 83.16% Elvin McCary (Republican) 14.77% Jim Partain (Prohibition) 2.06%
Alaska	William A. Egan	Democratic	1958 1966 (defeated) 1970	Incumbent lost re-election.[2] New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Jay Hammond (Republican) 47.67% William A. Egan (Democratic) 47.37% Joe Vogler (Alaskan Ind.) 4.96%
Arizona	Jack Williams	Republican	1966	Incumbent retired.[3] New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Raúl Héctor Castro (Democratic) 50.41% Russell Williams (Republican) 49.56%
Arkansas	Dale Bumpers	Democratic	1970	Incumbent retired.[4] New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y David Pryor (Democratic) 65.57% Ken Coon (Republican) 34.41%
California	Ronald Reagan	Republican	1966	Incumbent retired.[5] New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Jerry Brown (Democratic) 50.11% Houston I. Flournoy (Republican) 47.25% Edmon Kaiser (AI) 1.34% Elizabeth Keathley (PF) 1.2%
Colorado	John D. Vanderhoof	Republican	1973[a]	Incumbent lost election to full term.[6] New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Richard Lamm (Democratic) 53.26% John D. Vanderhoof (Republican) 45.69% Earl Dodge (Prohibition) 0.77% Lann Meyers (U.S. Labor) 0.28%
Connecticut	Thomas Meskill	Republican	1970	Incumbent retired.[7] New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Ella Grasso (Democratic) 58.35% Robert H. Steele (Republican) 39.91% Thomas Pallone (George Wallace Party) 1.51% Allen Peichert (American) 0.21%
Florida	Reubin Askew	Democratic	1970	Incumbent re-elected.[8]	Y Reubin Askew (Democratic) 58.35% Jerry Thomas (Republican) 38.8%
Georgia	Jimmy Carter	Democratic	1970	Incumbent term-limited.[9] New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y George Busbee (Democratic) 69.07% Ronnie Thompson (Republican) 30.87%
Hawaii	John A. Burns	Democratic	1962	Incumbent retired.[10] New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y George Ariyoshi (Democratic) 54.58% Randolph Crossley (Republican) 45.42%
Idaho	Cecil Andrus	Democratic	1970	Incumbent re-elected.[11]	Y Cecil Andrus (Democratic) 70.92% Jack M. Murphy (Republican) 26.47% Nolan Victor (American) 2.6%
Iowa	Robert D. Ray	Republican	1968	Incumbent re-elected.[12]	Y Robert D. Ray (Republican) 58.07% James Schaben (Democratic) 41.02% Ralph Scott (American) 0.9%
Kansas	Robert Docking	Democratic	1966	Incumbent term-limited.[13] New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Robert Frederick Bennett (Republican) 49.47% Vern Miller (Democratic) 49% Marshall Uncapher (Prohibition) 1.53%
Maine	Kenneth M. Curtis	Democratic	1970	Incumbent term-limited.[14] New governor elected. Independent gain.	Y James B. Longley (Independent) 39.14% George J. Mitchell (Democratic) 36.33% James Erwin (Republican) 23.13% Stanley Leen (Independent) 0.79% William B. Hughes (Independent) 0.36%
Maryland	Marvin Mandel	Democratic	1966	Incumbent re-elected.[15]	Y Marvin Mandel (Democratic) 63.5% Louise Gore (Republican) 36.5%
Massachusetts	Francis Sargent	Republican	1969[b]	Incumbent lost re-election.[16] New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Michael Dukakis (Democratic) 53.5% Francis Sargent (Republican) 42.29% Leo Kahian (American) 3.4% Donald Gurewitz (Socialist Workers) .81%
Michigan	William Milliken	Republican	1969[c]	Incumbent re-elected.[17]	Y William Milliken (Republican) 51.07% Sander Levin (Democratic) 46.75% Zolton Ferency (Human Rights) 1.08% Hugh M. Davidson (American Independent) .76% Eldon Andrews (Conservative) .16%
Minnesota	Wendell R. Anderson	Democratic	1970	Incumbent re-elected.[18]	Y Wendell R. Anderson (Democratic) 62.8% John W. Johnson (Republican) 29.35% James Miles (Independent) 4.8% Harry Pool (American) 1.63% Jane VanDeusen (Socialist Workers) .74% Erwin Marquit (Communist) .28%
Nebraska	J. James Exon	Democratic	1970	Incumbent re-elected.[19]	Y J. James Exon (Democratic) 59.16% Richard Marvel (Republican) 35.4% Ernie Chambers (Independent) 5.39%
Nevada	Mike O'Callaghan	Democratic	1970	Incumbent re-elected.[20]	Y Mike O'Callaghan (Democratic) 67.38% Shirley Crumpler (Republican) 17.1% James R. Houston (Ind. American) 15.52%
New Hampshire	Meldrim Thomson Jr.	Republican	1972	Incumbent re-elected.[21]	Y Meldrim Thomson Jr. (Republican) 51.15% Richard W. Leonard (Democratic) 48.79%
New Mexico	Bruce King	Democratic	1970	Incumbent term-limited.[22] New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y Jerry Apodaca (Democratic) 49.94% Joe Skeen (Republican) 48.8% Gene Gonzales (American Independent) 1.26%
New York	Malcolm Wilson	Republican	1973[d]	Incumbent lost election to full term.[23] New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Hugh Carey (Democratic) 57.22% Malcolm Wilson (Republican) 41.94% Wayne Amato (Courage) 0.24%
Ohio	John J. Gilligan	Democratic	1970	Incumbent lost re-election.[24] New governor elected. Republican gain.	Y Jim Rhodes (Republican) 48.62% John J. Gilligan (Democratic) 48.25% Nancy Lazar (Independent) 3.11%
Oklahoma	David Hall	Democratic	1970	Incumbent lost re-nomination.[25] New governor elected. Democratic hold.	Y David Boren (Democratic) 63.91% Jim Inhofe (Republican) 36.09%
Oregon	Tom McCall	Republican	1966	Incumbent term-limited.[26] New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Robert W. Straub (Democratic) 57.73% Victor Atiyeh (Republican) 42.14%
Pennsylvania	Milton Shapp	Democratic	1970	Incumbent re-elected.[27]	Y 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]	Y 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.	Y James B. Edwards (Republican) 50.68% William Jennings Bryan Dorn (Democratic) 47.41% Penny Jennings (Independent) 1.58% Charles Ravenel (Write-in) .12%
South Dakota	Richard F. Kneip	Democratic	1970	Incumbent re-elected.[30]	Y Richard F. Kneip (Democratic) 53.61% John E. Olson (Republican) 46.39%
Tennessee	Winfield Dunn	Republican	1970	Incumbent term-limited.[31] New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Ray Blanton (Democratic) 55.88% Lamar Alexander (Republican) 44.12%
Texas	Dolph Briscoe	Democratic	1972	Incumbent re-elected.[32]	Y Dolph Briscoe (Democratic) 61.41 Jim Granberry (Republican) 31.1% Ramsey Muniz (La Raza Unida) 5.64% Sam McDonnell (American) 1.34% Sherry Smith (Socialist Workers) 0.2%
Vermont	Thomas P. Salmon	Democratic	1972	Incumbent re-elected.[33]	Y Thomas P. Salmon (Democratic) 63.03% Walter L. Kennedy (Republican) 32.36% Martha Abbott (Liberty Union) 4.6%
Wisconsin	Patrick Lucey	Democratic	1970	Incumbent re-elected.[34]	Y Patrick Lucey (Democratic) 53.2% William Dyke (Republican) 42.08% William H. Upham Jr. (American) 2.84% Crazy Jim (Independent) 1.03% William O. Hart (Socialist) 0.43%
Wyoming	Stanley K. Hathaway	Republican	1966	Incumbent retired.[35] New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Edgar Herschler (Democratic) 55.88% Dick Jones (Republican) 44.12%

Territories and federal district

Territory	Incumbent	Party	First elected	Result	Candidates
District of Columbia	None (New office)			New office. New mayor elected. Democratic gain.	Y 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	Republican	1970	Incumbent lost re-election. New governor elected. Democratic gain.	Y Ricardo Bordallo (Democratic) 51.4% Carlos Camacho (Republican) 48.6%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee George Wallace Elvin McCary Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 497,574 88,381 Percentage 83.16% 14.77%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Jay Hammond Bill Egan Party Republican Democratic Running mate Lowell Thomas Jr. Red Boucher Popular vote 45,840 45,553 Percentage 47.67% 47.37%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Raúl Héctor Castro Russell Williams Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 278,375 273,674 Percentage 50.4% 49.6%

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

← 1972 November 5, 1974 1976 →

Nominee David Pryor Ken Coon Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 358,018 187,872 Percentage 65.57% 34.41%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Jerry Brown Houston Flournoy Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 3,131,648 2,952,954 Percentage 50.11% 47.25%

County results Congressional district results 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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Richard Lamm John Vanderhoof Party Democratic Republican Running mate George Brown Ted Strickland Popular vote 441,199 378,907 Percentage 53.22% 45.71%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Ella Grasso Robert H. Steele Party Democratic Republican Running mate Robert K. Killian Nathan G. Agostinelli Popular vote 643,490 440,169 Percentage 58.35% 39.92%

County results Municipality results 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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Reubin Askew Jerry Thomas Party Democratic Republican Running mate J. H. Williams Mike Thompson Popular vote 1,118,954 709,438 Percentage 61.2% 38.8%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee George Busbee Ronnie Thompson Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 646,777 289,113 Percentage 69.1% 30.9%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee George Ariyoshi Randolph Crossley Party Democratic Republican Running mate Nelson Doi Benjamin F. Dillingham II Popular vote 136,262 113,388 Percentage 54.6% 45.4%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Cecil Andrus Jack Murphy Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 184,142 68,731 Percentage 70.92% 26.47%

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

← 1972 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Robert D. Ray James Schaben Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 534,518 377,553 Percentage 58.1% 41.0%

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

← 1972 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Robert F. Bennett Vern Miller Party Republican Democratic Running mate Shelby Smith Jack Steineger Popular vote 387,792 384,115 Percentage 49.5% 49.0%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee James B. Longley George J. Mitchell James S. Erwin Party Independent Democratic Republican Popular vote 142,464 132,219 84,176 Percentage 39.7% 36.8% 23.5%

County results Municipality results 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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Marvin Mandel Louise Gore Party Democratic Republican Running mate Blair Lee III Frank B. Wade Popular vote 602,648 346,449 Percentage 63.50% 36.50%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →
Turnout	74.64% 0.53
Nominee Michael Dukakis Francis Sargent Party Democratic Republican Running mate Thomas O'Neill III Donald Dwight Popular vote 992,284 784,353 Percentage 53.50% 42.29%
County results Municipality results 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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1978 →
Turnout	55.52%
Nominee William Milliken Sander Levin Party Republican Democratic Running mate James Damman Paul Brown Popular vote 1,356,865 1,242,247 Percentage 51.1% 46.8%
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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Wendell Anderson John W. Johnson Party Democratic (DFL) Republican Running mate Rudy Perpich Dwaine Hoberg Popular vote 786,787 376,722 Percentage 62.80% 29.35%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee James Exon Richard D. Marvel Ernie Chambers (Write-in) Party Democratic Republican Independent Running mate Gerald T. Whelan Anne S. Batchelder Popular vote 267,012 159,780 24,320 Percentage 59.2% 35.4% 5.4%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1978 →

Nominee Mike O'Callaghan Shirley Crumpler James Houston Party Democratic Republican Independent American Popular vote 114,114 28,959 26,285 Percentage 67.38% 17.10% 15.52%

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

← 1972 November 5, 1974 1976 →

Nominee Meldrim Thomson Jr. Richard W. Leonard Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 115,933 110,591 Percentage 51.15% 48.79%

County results Municipality results 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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Jerry Apodaca Joe Skeen Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 164,172 160,430 Percentage 49.94% 48.80%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Hugh Carey Malcolm Wilson Party Democratic Republican Alliance Liberal Conservative Running mate Mary Anne Krupsak Ralph G. Caso Popular vote 3,028,503 2,219,667 Percentage 57.22% 41.94%

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

← 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

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee David Boren Jim Inhofe Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 514,389 290,459 Percentage 63.9% 36.1%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Robert Straub Victor Atiyeh Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 444,812 324,751 Percentage 57.7% 42.1%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1978 →

Nominee Milton Shapp Drew Lewis Party Democratic Republican Running mate Ernie Kline Ken Lee Popular vote 1,878,252 1,578,917 Percentage 53.66% 45.11%

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

← 1972 November 5, 1974 1976 →

Nominee Philip Noel James W. Nugent Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 252,436 69,224 Percentage 78.48% 21.52%

County results Municipality results 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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee James B. Edwards W.J. Bryan Dorn Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 266,338 248,861 Percentage 50.3% 47.0%

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

← 1972 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1978 →

Nominee Richard F. Kneip John E. Olson Party Democratic Republican Running mate Harvey L. Wollman Charles Clay Popular vote 149,151 129,077 Percentage 53.6% 46.4%

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^[update], 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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Ray Blanton Lamar Alexander Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 576,833 455,467 Percentage 55.43% 43.77%

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

← 1972 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Dolph Briscoe Jim Granberry Ramsey Muñiz Party Democratic Republican Raza Unida Popular vote 1,016,334 514,725 93,295 Percentage 61.4% 31.1% 5.6%

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

← 1972 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1976 →

Nominee Thomas P. Salmon Walter L. Kennedy Martha Abbott Party Democratic Republican Liberty Union Popular vote 79,842 53,672 7,629 Percentage 56.5% 38.1% 5.4%

County results Municipality results 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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Patrick J. Lucey William Dyke Party Democratic Republican Running mate Martin J. Schreiber John M. Alberts Popular vote 628,639 497,195 Percentage 53.19% 42.06%

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

← 1970 November 5, 1974 (1974-11-05) 1978 →

Nominee Edgar Herschler Dick Jones Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 71,741 56,645 Percentage 55.88% 44.12%

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

November 5, 1974 1978 →

Nominee Walter Washington Sam Harris Jackson R. Champion Party Democratic Independent Republican Popular vote 84,676 7,514 3,703 Percentage 80.5% 7.1% 3.5%

Results by ward Washington   70-80%   80-90%

Mayor before election Walter Washington (as Mayor-Commissioner) Democratic Elected mayor Walter Washington Democratic

Washington, D.C., held its first direct election for its mayor on November 5, 1974. It followed the passage of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act by the U.S. Congress in 1973. The election was won by Walter Washington, a Democrat. Washington won the Democratic nomination in a seven-candidate primary election in which his most significant opponent was Clifford Alexander Jr..

Guam

Guam election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Ricardo Bordallo	{{{votes}}}	51.4%
	Republican	Carlos Camacho	{{{votes}}}	48.6%
Total votes			{{{votes}}}	100.00
	Democratic gain from Republican

See also

• 1974 United States elections
  • 1974 United States Senate elections
  • 1974 United States House of Representatives elections

Notes

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.