1972 MA Federal Elections

Presidential Election

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The only state to go to George McGovern in 1972, Sportet few Competetive federal races in the cycle, however, in contrast to modern perceptions of the state Some of those races favored the republicans & despite the Deep blue reputation of MA Republicans were able to win in the Bay state.

First Taking a look at the Presidential Election, Despite McGovern Loosing in a landslide nationwide, he was able to put a Comfortable 9% win in this predominantly democratic state.

In doing so he won 11 out of the 12 congressional districts, performing best in furure Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neal's Boston based District being the only district he cracked 60% in.

Senatorial Election

Next up the 1972 MA Senate Election, The last time a Republican won a Senate race in Mass, incumbent Senator Edward W. Brooks lapped John Droney. This would be Brooke's Last term however as he was embroiled in multiple scandals during this term that cost him reelection in 1978.

House of Representatives Elections

Last up we have the US house of representatives elections in Massachusetts, the year of 1972 sported 5 uncontested races and 3 Contested Races.

The uncontested Races were MA-1(GOP Won), MA-2(Dem Won), MA-3(Dem Won), MA-10(GOP Won) & MA-11(Dem Won).

& the competetive races were MA-5, Featuring John Kerry(covered here), MA-11 Where a moderate who caucused with Dems beat incumbenr Louis Day Hicks, and MA-12 where Gerry Studds successfully won the race to succeed the retiring GOP incumbent he had barely lost too 2 years prior.

Gains and Losses

In terms of seats changing hands, only won did, the competitive open seat of MA-12 which went too the Democrat in a narrow win.

Presidential-Congressional Loyalty

Lastly, we look at the loyalty between the presidential results, something which shows us 3 McGovern-GOP Districts and one Nixon Dem District. However, 2 of the McGovern GOP Districts were uncontested in the congressional level.

Interestingly, the other two Non partisan seats were competitive on the Congressional level, with McGovern wining the GOP Held 5th seat by 6%(53-47%) & Nixon wining the Seat Dems Gained on the congressional Level by 4%(52-48%).

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