Maine gubernatorial election, 1974
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County results
Counties won by Longley
Counties won by Mitchell
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The 1974 Maine gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1974. Incumbent Democratic Governor Kenneth M. Curtis was term-limited and could not seek re-election. Independent candidate James B. Longley defeated Democratic Party challenger (and future Senate Majority Leader) George J. Mitchell and Republican James Erwin in a tight three-way contest. Longley's victory made him the first independent (non-party-affiliated) governor in Maine's history.
George Mitchell was an early front runner for The Blaine House in 1974. He had bested Joseph Brennan in the Democratic primary, and had the backing of popular former Governor, and then Maine Senator Edmund Muskie. Many Maine political observers believed he would be able to easily beat back the challenge from James Erwin and become Maine's next Governor.
Mitchell ran on the campaign theme "There are two Maines. There should only be one.". He argued that Maine was a gorgeous state with rich natural resources and was a thriving tourist destination, but at the same time it had high unemployment and a large number of Maine families lived below the poverty line. His campaign focuses on ways to bring together the two Maines – a place with a protected environment and a strong economy.
James Erwin of York, another early front runner in the race, had served in the Maine House and Senate before winning his first of three terms as attorney general in 1967. In 1970, he had lost his first run for governor by 500 votes to the Democratic incumbent Curtis, and his campaign theme was "Erwin This Time." He defeated Harrison Richardson, also a state legislator, for the nomination.
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