The 1976 North Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1976. Democratic nominee Jim Hunt defeated Republican nominee David T. Flaherty with 64.99% of the vote.
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County results Hunt: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% Flaherty: 50–60% 60–70% | |||||||||||||||||
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This election marked the last time an incumbent North Carolina governor was ineligible to run for reelection to a second term before the adoption of an amendment allowing such runs.
As of 2022[update], this marks the last occasion that the following counties have voted Democratic in a gubernatorial election: Caldwell, Clay, Davidson, Randolph, and Wilkes.[original research?]
Primary elections were held on August 17, 1976.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Jim Hunt | 362,102 | 53.41 | |
Democratic | Edward O'Herron Jr. | 157,815 | 23.28 | |
Democratic | George Wood | 121,673 | 17.95 | |
Democratic | Thomas E. Strickland | 31,338 | 4.62 | |
Democratic | Andy Barker | 5,003 | 0.74 | |
Total votes | 677,931 | 100.00 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | David Flaherty | 57,663 | 49.77 | |
Republican | Coy Privette | 37,573 | 32.43 | |
Republican | Jacob F. Alexander | 16,149 | 13.94 | |
Republican | Wallace McCall | 4,467 | 3.86 | |
Total votes | 115,852 | 100.00 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | David T. Flaherty | 45,661 | 60.50 | |
Republican | Coy Privette | 29,810 | 39.50 | |
Total votes | 75,471 | 100.00 |
Major party candidates
Other candidates
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Jim Hunt | 1,081,293 | 64.99% | ||
Republican | David T. Flaherty | 564,102 | 33.90% | ||
American | Herbert F. Seawell Jr. | 13,604 | 0.82% | ||
Libertarian | Arlan K. Andrews | 4,764 | 0.29% | ||
Majority | 517,201 | ||||
Turnout | 1,663,763 | ||||
Democratic gain from Republican | Swing |