The 1974 presidential election did not occur as a traditional election year. Instead, it was marked by the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in August 1974. Following Nixon's departure, Gerald Ford assumed the presidency, having been appointed as vice president after Spiro Agnew resigned. In 1974, the focus was on the upcoming midterm elections rather than a presidential election. The political landscape was heavily influenced by public disillusionment with government, resulting in significant changes in congressional representation. The next presidential election would take place in 1976, where Jimmy Carter would eventually emerge as the Democratic candidate.