1978 Maine gubernatorial election

1978 Maine gubernatorial election

← 1974 November 7, 1978 1982 →
 
Nominee Joseph Brennan Linwood E. Palmer Jr. Herman C. Frankland
Party Democratic Republican Independent
Popular vote 176,493 126,862 65,889
Percentage 47.8% 34.4% 17.8%

County results
Brennan:      40–50%      50–60%
Palmer:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%

Governor before election

James B. Longley
Independent

Elected Governor

Joseph Brennan
Democratic

The 1978 Maine gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978. Incumbent Independent Governor James B. Longley had promised to not seek a second term when he was elected in 1974, and held true to his pledge. Former State Senator Joseph E. Brennan of the Democratic Party defeated both challenger Republican Linwood E. Palmer Jr. and right-wing independent candidate Herman Frankland. Richard Carey unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination, while Charles Cragin unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination.