The 1974 Georgia gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1974. Under Georgia's constitution at the time, incumbent Democratic governor Jimmy Carter was ineligible to serve a second consecutive term, and was in the process of launching his presidential campaign. George Busbee was elected as the 77th Governor of Georgia.

Democratic nomination Candidates Nominee George Busbee, state representative

Eliminated in runoff Lester Maddox, lieutenant governor (1971–1975) and former governor (1967–1971)

Eliminated in primary David H. Gambrell, former U.S. senator from Georgia (1971–1972) Bud Herrin Thomas J. Irwin Harry C. Jackson, former state senator (1961–1973) Bert Lance, businessman B. J. Parker Robert A. Rowan, state senator (1963–1975) George T. Smith, former lieutenant governor (1967–1971) Jennings Thompson Ronnie Thompson, Mayor of Macon, Georgia (1967–1975)

Democratic primary election results

Democratic runoff results

Republican nomination Candidates Nominee Ronnie Thompson, Mayor of Macon, Georgia (1967–1975)

Eliminated in runoff Harold Dye, army veteran

Eliminated in primary W. M. "Bill" Coolidge Harry Geisinger, state representative (1969–1975) George Lankford

Republican primary election results

Republican runoff results

General election results In a year marred for the Republicans by Richard Nixon's resignation just three months earlier, alongside the continued domination of Georgia by the Democratic Party and Thompson's dividing of the GOP (a move which inspired many prominent figures in the Georgia party to refrain from openly supporting him), Busbee was elected in a landslide. Douglas and Clayton County were the only two counties where Thompson won the most votes.1974 Gubernatorial General Election Results - Georgia Two years later, a revision of the Georgia Constitution was done that included a rule to allow a Governor to be elected to a second consecutive term. Subsequently, Busbee ran for Governor again four years later. Zell Miller was elected as lieutenant governor, serving for 16 years. As of 2022, this is the last time that Clayton County voted for the Republican candidate for governor.

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