The 1972 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972. Incumbent Republican Robert D. Ray defeated Democratic nominee Paul Franzenburg with 58.43% of the vote.
This was the last gubernatorial election in Iowa in which either party won every county. It was also the last election for a two-year term, with Iowa (alongside Arkansas, Kansas, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas and, as of date, Vermont and New Hampshire) being one of the last states to maintain two-year, as opposed to four-year gubernatorial terms.
General election
Candidates Robert D. Ray, governor
Withdrew Roger Jepsen, lieutenant governor
General election
Candidates Major party candidates Paul Franzenburg, Democratic Robert D. Ray, Republican
Other candidates Robert Dilley, American Independent
Results
References