For related races, see 1972 United States gubernatorial elections.
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The 1972 North Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972. The election pitted Democratic Congressman Arthur A. Link Against Republican Lieutenant governor Richard F. Larsen. Link Narrowly Defeated Larsen By a margin of 51% to 49%
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on September 5, 1972.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Arthur A. Link, U.S. Representative
- Edward P. Burns
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic–NPL | Arthur A. Link | 29,979 | 93.07 | |
| Democratic–NPL | Edward P. Burns | 2,231 | 6.93 | |
| Total votes | 32,210 | 100.00 | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Richard F. Larsen, incumbent Lieutenant Governor
- Robert P. McCarney
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Richard F. Larsen | 66,045 | 67.79 | |
| Republican | Robert P. McCarney | 31,377 | 32.21 | |
| Total votes | 97,422 | 100.00 | ||
General election
Candidates
- Arthur A. Link, Democratic
- Richard F. Larsen, Republican
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic–NPL | Arthur A. Link | 143,899 | 51.04% | ||
| Republican | Richard F. Larsen | 138,032 | 48.96% | ||
| Majority | 5,867 | ||||
| Turnout | 281,931 | ||||
| Democratic–NPL hold | Swing | ||||
References
- ^ "Primary Election" (PDF). North Dakota Secretary of State. 1972. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
- "General Election" (PDF). North Dakota Secretary of State. 1972. Retrieved January 19, 2019.