Nixon explored the possibility of establishing a new center-right party and running on a ticket with John Connally , but he ultimately chose to seek re-election as a Republican . His success with the People 's Republic of China and the Soviet Union bolstered his approval ratings in the lead-up to the 1972 presidential election , and he was the overwhelming favorite to be re-nominated at the start of the 1972 Republican primaries . He was challenged in the primaries by two congressmen : anti-war candidate Pete McCloskey and détente opponent John Ashbrook . Nixon virtually assured his nomination by winning the New Hampshire primary with a comfortable 67.8 percent of the vote . He was re-nominated at the August 1972 Republican National Convention , receiving 1,347 of the 1,348 votes . Delegates also re-nominated Spiro Agnew by acclamation
1972 Republican National Convention
1972 Republican National Convention
Presidency of Richard Nixon