1972 North Dakota gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1972 United States gubernatorial elections.

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%

1972 North Dakota gubernatorial election

← 1968 November 7, 1972 1976 →

Nominee Arthur A. Link Richard F. Larsen Party Democratic–NPL Republican Popular vote 143,899 138,032 Percentage 51.0% 49.0%

County results Link:      50–60%      60–70% Larsen:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election William L. Guy Democratic–NPL Elected Governor Arthur A. Link Democratic–NPL

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on September 5, 1972.^[1]

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Arthur A. Link, U.S. Representative
• Edward P. Burns

Results

Democratic primary results^[1]

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

Republican primary results^[1]

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

1972 North Dakota gubernatorial election^[2]

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