The 1976 U.S. presidential election was held on November 2, 1976. It featured Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter, the former governor of Georgia, and Republican candidate Gerald Ford, who was the sitting president after Richard Nixon's resignation. The election was significant as it marked a shift in political power following the Watergate scandal. Jimmy Carter won the election with 297 electoral votes compared to Gerald Ford's 240. Carter's campaign focused on restoring trust in government and addressing issues like the economy and foreign policy. His victory ended a period of Republican dominance in the White House, bringing a Southern Democrat to the forefront.