# 1976 North Dakota gubernatorial election

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The 1976 North Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1976. Incumbent Democratic governor Arthur A. Link Ran for a second term against Republican Richard Elkin. Link won reelection defeating Elkin 52% to 47%

## Primary elections

Primary elections were held on September 7, 1976.

### Democratic primary
#### Candidates

* Arthur A. Link, incumbent governor

#### Results

Democratic primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic–NPL | Arthur A. Link (inc.) | 54,759 | 100.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 54,759 | 100.00 |

### Republican primary
#### Candidates

* Richard Elkin, North Dakota Public Service Commissioner
* Herb Geving

#### Results

Republican primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Richard Elkin | 54,427 | 81.92 |
| | Republican | Herb Geving | 12,013 | 18.08 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 66,440 | 100.00 |

## General election
### Candidates

Major party candidates
* Arthur A. Link, Democratic
* Richard Elkin, Republican
Other candidates
* Martin K. Vaaler, American
Link Ran on his record of Coal mining. Stating that he understood that the coal had to be mined carefully. And that he New the state had to have a fair return for its resources While also stating that he was guiding resources to better manage North Dakota's future. His campaign slogan was. “Art link Good judgment we can trust”
he also stated that his policy was cautious orderly development on energy And one that was for the basic needs of the state of North Dakota as well as concern for the nation's energy

### Results

1976 North Dakota gubernatorial election :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic–NPL | Arthur A. Link (inc.) | 153,309 | 51.58% |
| | Republican | Richard Elkin | 138,321 | 46.53% |
| | American | Martin K. Vaaler | 5,619 | 1.89% |
| Majority | Majority | Majority | 14,988 | |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | 297,249 | |
| | Democratic–NPL hold | Democratic–NPL hold | Swing | |