1974 Maine gubernatorial election

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 Longley:      30-40%      40-50%      60-70% Mitchell:      30–40%      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.