1972 Delaware gubernatorial election

The 1972 Delaware gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972. Democratic nominee Sherman W. Tribbitt defeated incumbent Republican Governor Russell W. Peterson with 51.27% of the vote. This was the last time a Democrat won statewide office in Delaware until 1992, when Tom Carper (future U.S. Senator) won the gubernatorial election over Republican B. Gary Scott.

Nominations
From 1972 to 1992 Delaware used a system of “challenge” primaries, in which a candidate for statewide office who received at least 35 percent of the convention vote could challenge the endorsed candidate in a primary. Democratic nominee Tribbitt avoided such a primary in 1972.

Candidates

 * David P. Buckson, former Governor
 * Russell W. Peterson, incumbent Governor

Candidates

 * Sherman W. Tribbitt, Democratic, Delaware House of Representatives Minority leader and former Lieutenant Governor
 * Russell W. Peterson, Republican, incumbent Governor
 * Virginia M. Lyndall, American
 * Harry H. Conner, Prohibition