1976 Washington gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1976 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 1976 Washington gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1976. This election was especially significant in that Washington elected its first female governor, Dixy Lee Ray. Wesley C. Uhlman and John Patric unsuccessfully ran in the blanket primary.

1976 Washington gubernatorial election

November 2, 1976

Nominee Dixy Lee Ray John Spellman Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 821,797 687,039 Percentage 53.1% 44.4%

County results Ray:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Spellman:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%

Governor before election Daniel J. Evans Republican Elected Governor Dixy Lee Ray Democratic

General election

Candidates

• Dixy Lee Ray (D), former Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
• John Spellman (R), King County Executive

Results

1976 Washington gubernatorial election results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Dixy Lee Ray	821,797	53.14
	Republican	John Spellman	687,039	44.43
Total votes			1,508,836	100.00%
	Democratic gain from Republican