In 1972, Texas delivered 26 electoral votes to Richard Nixon in a landslide victory

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While the 1972 presidential election saw Richard Nixon sweep the nation, his performance in Texas was historic. The Republican incumbent secured the state's 26 electoral votes with a commanding margin, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of a state that had long been a Democratic stronghold.

In the 1972 presidential election, Richard M. Nixon secured a decisive victory across the United States, earning 520 electoral votes compared to the 17 votes won by his Democratic opponent, George S. McGovern. Texas played a pivotal role in this national outcome, contributing 26 electoral votes to the Republican total. This result was part of a broader trend that saw Nixon carry nearly every state, with the exception of Massachusetts and the District of Columbia.

The 1972 campaign in Texas was notable for the involvement of future political leaders. Bill Clinton served as the state manager for the McGovern campaign, working alongside his then-girlfriend, Hillary. Despite their efforts, the Democratic ticket faced significant challenges, including a lack of support from prominent statewide officeholders. For instance, the Democratic nominee for governor, Dolph Briscoe, notably refused to appear alongside McGovern during the campaign.

The electoral results in Texas reflected a deep realignment. Nixon's performance allowed him to carry numerous counties that had historically leaned Democratic. While McGovern managed to secure some support in specific regions, such as the U.S.-Mexico border, his overall performance in the state was underwhelming. The election remains a landmark event in Texas political history, illustrating the shifting allegiances of the electorate during the early 1970s.

Following the election, the political landscape continued to evolve rapidly. Spiro T. Agnew, who had been re-elected as Vice President alongside Nixon, resigned on October 10, 1973, and was succeeded by Gerald R. Ford. Subsequently, Richard M. Nixon resigned from the presidency on August 9, 1974, with Ford assuming the office on the same day. Nelson A. Rockefeller was later sworn in as Vice President on December 19, 1974, completing a period of significant transition in the executive branch.

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