US 1972 Presidential Election
United States presidential election held November 1972. Richard Nixon won a massive landslide over George McGovern, but the Watergate scandal would force his resignation less than two years later.
US 1972 Presidential Election is one of the tracked elections shaping power in United States.
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Country context
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Winner profile
Jump from the result to Richard Nixon's political profile, offices, and related entities.
Candidate field
Follow the 2 linked candidates and compare who contested this race.
Election Result
Clear outcome summary for this recorded election.
Nixon won a massive landslide, carrying 49 states. McGovern's anti-war campaign failed to gain traction. Within two years, the Watergate scandal would force Nixon's resignation.
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At a Glance
The US 1972 Presidential Election took place in 1972 in United States. The election determined who would hold the office of President of the United States.
Richard Nixon won the election. Voter turnout was reported at 55.2%, giving a sense of how many people took part in the contest. 2 candidates contested the election: George McGovern and Richard Nixon.
Election Snapshot
- Status
- Recorded
- Election Year
- 1972
- Country
- United States
- Office Contested
- President of the United States
- Winner
- Richard Nixon
- Turnout
- 55.2%
- Candidates
- 2
- Linked Offices
- 0
Result Overview
Nixon won a massive landslide, carrying 49 states. McGovern's anti-war campaign failed to gain traction. Within two years, the Watergate scandal would force Nixon's resignation.
Quick Facts
- Won by Richard Nixon
- Voter turnout: 55.2%
- 2 candidates tracked
Details
- election year
- 1972
- office contested
- President of the United States
Country Context
This election is connected to United States. Use the country page to follow broader institutions, offices, and election history.
Candidates
Politicians directly connected to this election through the graph.
Next To Explore
United States
Federal presidential constitutional republic in North America. Power is divided across the presidency, Congress, the states, and the federal courts. National politics is dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties, but third parties and independents still shape the broader system.
George McGovern
1972 Democratic presidential nominee and anti-war senator from South Dakota. Lost to Nixon in one of the largest Electoral College defeats in history.
Richard Nixon
37th President of the United States from 1969 to 1974. Opened diplomatic relations with China, but resigned over the Watergate scandal — the only president to resign from office.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the US 1972 Presidential Election?
- The US 1972 Presidential Election was won by Richard Nixon. Richard Nixon ran as the candidate of Republican Party.
- Who came second in the US 1972 Presidential Election?
- The runner-up in the US 1972 Presidential Election was George McGovern. The contest between Richard Nixon and George McGovern defined the central dynamics of this election.
- What was the voter turnout for the US 1972 Presidential Election?
- Voter turnout for the US 1972 Presidential Election was 55.2%. Turnout levels reflect public engagement with the democratic process and can be influenced by factors such as voter registration requirements, election accessibility, the competitiveness of the race, and public trust in political institutions.
- When did the US 1972 Presidential Election take place?
- The US 1972 Presidential Election took place in 1972. Electoral timing in United States is governed by constitutional requirements and may be influenced by the political circumstances of the moment.
- What offices were contested in the US 1972 Presidential Election?
- The US 1972 Presidential Election determined who would hold the office of President of the United States. The powers and responsibilities of this office make the election significant for the country's governance and policy direction.
- Which country held the US 1972 Presidential Election?
- The US 1972 Presidential Election was held in United States. The country's electoral system, political culture, and institutional framework shaped how the election was conducted and what the results mean for governance.
- Who were the candidates in the US 1972 Presidential Election?
- 2 candidates participated in the US 1972 Presidential Election, including George McGovern, Richard Nixon. The field of candidates reflects the political landscape and the range of options available to voters.
- What was the outcome of the US 1972 Presidential Election?
- Nixon won a massive landslide, carrying 49 states. McGovern's anti-war campaign failed to gain traction. Within two years, the Watergate scandal would force Nixon's resignation.
Connections
Candidates
George McGovern
1972 Democratic presidential nominee and anti-war senator from South Dakota. Lost to Nixon in one of the largest Electoral College defeats in history.
Richard Nixon
37th President of the United States from 1969 to 1974. Opened diplomatic relations with China, but resigned over the Watergate scandal — the only president to resign from office.
Trust & Coverage
- Page Type
- Election dashboard
- Last Updated
- March 21, 2026
- Sources
- Graph-backed
- Data Coverage
- Comprehensive(75/100)
Recorded outcomes appear only where winner and result metadata have been seeded or imported.
Upcoming elections may already show offices and linked candidates before final result data exists.
You Might Also Explore
United States
Federal presidential constitutional republic in North America. Power is divided across the presidency, Congress, the states, and the federal courts. National politics is dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties, but third parties and independents still shape the broader system.
George McGovern
1972 Democratic presidential nominee and anti-war senator from South Dakota. Lost to Nixon in one of the largest Electoral College defeats in history.
Richard Nixon
37th President of the United States from 1969 to 1974. Opened diplomatic relations with China, but resigned over the Watergate scandal — the only president to resign from office.