Helms supported Ronald Reagan for the presidential nomination in 1976 , even before Reagan had announced his candidacy . His contribution was crucial in the North Carolina primary victory that paved the way for Reagan 's presidential election in 1980 . The support of Helms , alongside Raleigh-based campaign operative Thomas F. Ellis , was instrumental in Reagan 's winning the North Carolina primary and later presenting a major challenge to incumbent President Gerald Ford at the 1976 Republican National Convention . According to author Craig Shirley , the two men deserve credit " for breathing life into the dying Reagan campaign " . Going into the primary , Reagan had lost all the primaries , including in New Hampshire , where he had been favored , and was two million dollars in debt , with a growing number of Republican leaders calling for his exit . The Ford campaign was predicting a victory in North Carolina , but assessed Reagan 's strength in the state simply : Helms 's support . While Ford had the backing of Governor James Holshouser , the grassroots movement formed in North Carolina by Ellis and backed by Helms delivered an upset victory by 53 % to 47 % . The momentum generated in North Carolina carried Ronald Reagan to landslide primary wins in Texas , California , and other critical states , evening the contest between Reagan and Ford , and forcing undeclared delegates to choose at the 1976 convention
1976 Republican National Convention
1976 Republican National Convention
Jesse Helms