1974 Colorado gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1974 United States gubernatorial elections.

1974 Colorado gubernatorial election

November 5, 1974

Nominee Richard Lamm John Vanderhoof Party Democratic Republican Running mate George Brown Ted Strickland Popular vote 441,199 378,907 Percentage 53.22% 45.71%

County results Lamm:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Vanderhoof:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election John Vanderhoof Republican Elected Governor Richard Lamm Democratic

The 1974 Colorado gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Democratic nominee Richard Lamm defeated incumbent Republican John D. Vanderhoof with 53.22% of the vote. This is the last time that an incumbent governor of Colorado lost re-election.

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on September 10, 1974.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Richard Lamm, State Representative from Denver
• Thomas T. Farley, State Representative from Pueblo

Results

Democratic primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Richard Lamm	120,452	58.69
	Democratic	Thomas T. Farley	84,796	41.31
Total votes			205,248	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• John Vanderhoof, incumbent Governor
• Bill Daniels, businessman

Results

Republican primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	John Vanderhoof (incumbent)	94,334	60.46
	Republican	Bill Daniels	61,691	39.54
Total votes			156,025	100.00

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

• Richard Lamm, Democratic
• John D. Vanderhoof, Republican

Other candidates

• Earl F. Dodge Jr., Prohibition
• Lann Meyers, U.S. Labor

Results

1974 Colorado gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Richard Lamm	441,199	53.22%	+7.98%
	Republican	John D. Vanderhoof (incumbent)	378,907	45.71%	−6.75%
	Prohibition	Earl F. Dodge Jr.	6,419	0.77%
	U.S. Labor	Lann Meyers	2,307	0.28%
Majority			62,292	7.51%
Turnout			828,968
	Democratic gain from Republican		Swing