1970 New Mexico gubernatorial election

The 1970 New Mexico gubernatorial election took place on November 3, 1970, in order to elect the Governor of New Mexico. Due to term limits, incumbent Republican David Cargo was ineligible to seek a third term as governor. This election was the first in which the governor was elected for a four-year term. Prior to this, the governor was elected to a two-year term, renewable once.

1970 New Mexico gubernatorial election
November 3, 1970
 
Nominee Bruce King Pete Domenici
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 148,835 134,640
Percentage 51.3% 46.4%
County results
King:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Domenici:      50–60%      60–70%
Governor before election

David Cargo
Republican

 Elected Governor

Bruce King
Democratic

Elections in New Mexico

Democratic primary

The Democratic primary was won by state representative Bruce King.

Campaign

A major issue in the election was how the University of New Mexico should deal with anti-war protesters. Defenders of the University did so on the grounds of free speech, and opponents argued on the grounds of law and order.

Jack Daniels ran as a moderate liberal candidate, and he became the strongest defender of the University of New Mexico throughout the campaign. King was the other moderate liberal candidate, and he and Daniels agreed on most issues, with them both supporting the University of New Mexico. However, Daniels was more vigorous in his support, constantly advertising and emphasizing that he supported the University's position, while King mostly avoided the issue.[1] On the other hand, Alexander Sceresse attacked the University, calling for law and order. The Democratic primary had above-average turnout, with 54% voting, and King beat Daniels 49%–37%, with Sceresse only getting 14% of the vote.[1] Bruce King then went on to become Governor of New Mexico.

Results
New Mexico Democratic gubernatorial primary, 1970[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Bruce King 62,718 48.94
Democratic Jack Daniels 47,523 37.08
Democratic Alexander Sceresse 17,918 13.98
Total votes 128,159 100.00

Republican primary

The Republican primary was won by Mayor of Albuquerque Pete Domenici.

Results
New Mexico Republican gubernatorial primary, 1970[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Pete Domenici 25,881 45.99
Republican Stephen C. Helbing 13,265 23.57
Republican Edward M. Hartman 5,309 9.43
Republican Tom Clear 5,262 9.35
Republican Junio Lopez 4,272 7.59
Republican Edward V. Balcomb 2,289 4.07
Total votes 56,278 100.00

General election

Results
New Mexico gubernatorial election, 1970[4]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Bruce King 148,835 51.26
Republican Pete Domenici 134,640 46.37
Independent John A. Salazar 4,652 1.60
People's Constitutional Wilfredo Sedillo 2,237 0.77
Other 11 <0.01
Total votes 290,375 100.00
Democratic gain from Republican
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References
  1. The 1970 Election in New Mexico (in The 1970 Elections in the West). T. Phillip Wolf. The Western Political Quarterly, Vol. 24, No. 2. (June, 1971), pp. 316-324.
  2. "NM Governor D Primary 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  3. "NM Governor R Primary 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  4. "NM Governor 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
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