United States gubernatorial elections were held 6 November 1973, in two states.
In Virginia, former Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr., who was elected in the 1965 gubernatorial election as a Democrat,[1] ran and won as a Republican. He defeated Henry Howell, who was also a former Democrat.[2]
Incumbent lost renomination.[5] New governor elected.[6] Democratic gain.
YBrendan Byrne (Democratic) 66.40% Charles W. Sandman Jr. (Republican) 32.13% A. Howard Freund (American) 0.31% Alfred V. Colabella (Independent) 0.24% Robert Clement (Socialist Labor) 0.20% John A. Goodson (Libertarian) 0.15% James J. Terlizzi, Sr. (Independent Taxpayer's Watchdog) 0.13%