November 2, 1976 1978 → 64.68 34.71 | 3,000,395 1,610,258 | |
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Gubernatorial elections were held in Illinois in November 1976. Incumbent Governor Dan Walker lost renomination in favor of Secretary of State Michael J. Howlett, who was a Daley ally. Howlett then lost the general election to Republican James R. Thompson. This election was for a two-year term which would synchronize future gubernatorial elections with midterm election years, rather than presidential election years.
Contents
Democratic Primary
The incumbent Governor, Dan Walker, had a contentious relationship with the Daley Machine, which backed Secretary of State Michael J. Howlett. Walker carried most of the state's counties, but Howlett carried Cook county by a wide margin and was ultimately nominated.
Republican Primary
Thompson won the Republican Primary in a landslide, carrying every county.