The 1976 Presidential Election was held on November 2, 1976, and featured two main candidates: Jimmy Carter, a Democrat and former Governor of Georgia, and Gerald Ford, the Republican incumbent and former Vice President. The election took place in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, which had significantly impacted public trust in government. Jimmy Carter won the election with 297 electoral votes compared to Gerald Ford's 240. Carter's campaign focused on themes of honesty and integrity, appealing to voters who were disillusioned by the political climate. This election marked a significant shift in American politics, as it was the first time since 1960 that a Democrat won the presidency.