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The 1972 Utah gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972. Democratic incumbent Cal Rampton defeated Republican nominee Nicholas L. Strike with 69.69% of the vote. Rampton's victory was despite incumbent Republican president Richard Nixon winning the state with over 67% of the vote in the concurrent presidential election.[1]

Campaign

It is suggested that Rampton, as a moderate Democrat, was acceptable enough to Utah's Republican Party that in both the 1968 and 1972 elections, they put forward only token candidates.[2] By October 1972, Rampton was seen as very likely to win, with his election appearing "assured" according to The New York Times.[3]

General election

Candidates

  • Cal Rampton, Democratic
  • Nicholas L. Strike, Republican

Results

1972 Utah gubernatorial election[4]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Cal Rampton (incumbent) 331,998 69.69%
Republican Nicholas L. Strike 144,449 30.31%
Majority 187,549 39.38
Turnout 476,447
Democratic hold Swing

References

  1. ^ "1972 Presidential General Election Results – Utah". Dave Leip’s Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  2. ^ "RAMPTON, CALVIN L." Utah History Encyclopedia. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  3. ^ Warren Weaver Jr. (October 15, 1972). "THE 1972 CAMPAIGN". The New York Times. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  4. ^ "UT Governor". Our Campaigns. Retrieved April 4, 2020.