1972 United States House of Representatives election in Nevada

The 1972 United States House of Representatives election in Nevada was held on Tuesday November 7, 1972, to elect the state's at-large representative. Primary elections were held on September 5, 1972.

Republican nominee David Towell won the general election with 52.15% of the vote. Incumbent representative, Walter S. Baring Jr. lost the democratic primary election 52-47. Baring endorsed republican David Towell, helping him win the general election.

Democratic primary
[[File:Nevada Congressional Primary Election Results 1972.svg|alt=Final results by county|center|thumb|230x230px|Democratic Primary:Bilbray

{{legend|#A5B0FF|40–50%}}

{{legend|#7996E2|50–60%}}Baring

{{legend|#51C2C2|50–60%}}

{{legend|#2AACAC|60–70%}}

{{legend|#009696|70–80%}}]]

Candidates

 * Walter S. Baring Jr., Incumbent representative
 * James Bilbray, United States army veteran

Background
Conservative Democrat Walter Baring was criticized by the more liberal wing of the democratic party for voting against the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The primaries were typically more competitive than the general election for Baring. He typically got high margins in Nevada's rural 'cow counties' (14 counties apart from Clark, Washoe, and Carson City) However, the massive growth in Clark County and Washoe County would make it significantly more difficult for Baring to win.

Republican primary
[[File:Nevada Congressional Republican Primary Election Results 1972.svg|alt=Final results by county|center|thumb|230x230px|Republican Primary:Towell

{{legend|#FFC8CD|30–40%}}

{{legend|#FFB2B2|40–50%}}

{{legend|#E27F7F|50–60%}}

{{legend|#D75D5D|60–70%}}

{{legend|#D72F30|70–80%}}Byrnes

{{legend|#f1e9c5|30–40%}}

{{legend|#e9ddaf|40–50%}}

{{legend|#d3bc5f|50–60%}}]]

Candidates

 * David Towell
 * William T. Byrnes
 * Robert J. Edwards
 * Wayne Goodin
 * V.M. Markoff