1974 New Hampshire gubernatorial election
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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.
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November 5, 1974
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Thomson: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Leonard: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% No Data/Vote: | |||||||||||||||||
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Primary elections
Primary elections were held on September 10, 1974.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Hugh J. Gallen, State Representative[1]
- Richard W. Leonard, former Air Force pilot and state legislator[2]
- Harry V. Spanos, State Senator
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Richard W. Leonard | 16,503 | 36.55 | |
| Democratic | Harry V. Spanos | 14,149 | 31.34 | |
| Democratic | Hugh J. Gallen | 13,030 | 28.86 | |
| Democratic | Write-ins | 1,467 | 3.25 | |
| Total votes | 45,147 | 100.00 | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Ralph Brewster
- Elmer E. Bussey, perennial candidate
- David L. Nixon, State Senator[7]
- Meldrim Thomson Jr., incumbent Governor
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Meldrim Thomson Jr. (incumbent) | 47,244 | 54.73 | |
| Republican | Gerald J. Zeiller | 37,286 | 43.20 | |
| Republican | Ralph W. Brewster | 841 | 0.97 | |
| Republican | Elmer E. Bussey | 682 | 0.79 | |
| Republican | Write-ins | 267 | 0.31 | |
| Total votes | 86,320 | 100.00 | ||
General election
Candidates
- Richard W. Leonard, Democratic
- Meldrim Thomson, Republican
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Meldrim Thomson Jr. (incumbent) | 115,933 | 51.15% | ||
| Democratic | Richard W. Leonard | 110,591 | 48.79% | ||
| Write-in | Scattering | 141 | 0.06% | ||
| Majority | 5,342 | 2.36% | |||
| Turnout | 226,665 | 100.00% | |||
| Republican hold | Swing | ||||