The 1974 Massachusetts general election was held on November 5, 1974, throughout Massachusetts. Democratic and Republican candidates were selected in party primaries held September 10, 1974. The Democratic primary in this election was notably competitive, with formidable challenges to two incumbent Democrats (Secretary of the Commonwealth John Davoren, who lost, and Treasurer Robert Q. Crane, who narrowly won) and two open primaries (for Governor and Attorney General). In the general election, Democrats swept the statewide offices quite easily. Republican support may have been held down by the weight of the ongoing Watergate scandal and the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Governor and Lieutenant Governor Democrats Michael Dukakis and Thomas P. O'Neill III were elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor, respectively, over Republican incumbents Francis W. Sargent and Donald R. Dwight. Attorney General Attorney General Robert H. Quinn declined to run for re-election and instead ran for Governor. In the open primary to fill his seat, former Lt. Governor Francis X. Bellotti won the Democratic nomination. Bellotti defeated Republican nominee Josiah Spaulding in a close race. Democratic primary Candidates Francis X. Bellotti, former Lt. Governor and nominee for Governor in 1964 Barry T. Hannon, Norfolk County Register of Deeds Edward Francis Harrington, attorney and former prosecutor of Raymond L.S. Patriarca Edward M. O'Brien S. Lester Ralph, mayor of Somerville and Episcopal minister George Sacco, State Representative from Medford Results Republican primary Candidates Charles Codman Cabot Jr., chairman of the Outdoor Advertising Board William I. Cowin, Massachusetts Secretary of Administration and Finance Josiah Spaulding, former chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party and nominee for U.S. Senate in 1970 Results General election Secretary of the Commonwealth Secretary of the Commonwealth John Davoren was defeated in the Democratic primary by Paul Guzzi. Guzzi went on to defeat Republican State Senator John M. Quinlan in the general election. Democratic primary Candidates John Davoren, incumbent Secretary of the Commonwealth Paul Guzzi, State Representative from Newton Results Republican primary Candidates Declared John M. Quinlan, State Senator Withdrew at convention Ron Burton, former Boston Patriots running back Results Following Burton's withdrawal, Quinlan was unopposed for the Republican nomination. General election Treasurer and Receiver-General Incumbent Treasurer and Receiver-General Robert Q. Crane defeated Charles Mark Furcolo in the Democratic Primary. Erna Ballantine ran an unsuccessful sticker campaign for the Republican nomination. Democratic primary Candidates Robert Q. Crane, incumbent Treasurer and Receiver-General Charles Mark Furcolo, Boston attorney and son of Foster Furcolo