The 1970 Connecticut gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1970 in the U.S. state of Connecticut.
Incumbent Democratic Governor John N. Dempsey decided not to run for re-election. Republican nominee Thomas Meskill defeated Democratic nominee Emilio Q. Daddario with 53.76% of the vote. This was the only time a Republican was elected Governor from 1954 to 1990.
Nominations
Between 1956 and 1990 in Connecticut, party conventions nominated candidates subject to a system of "challenge" primaries that allowed defeated candidates to petition for a popular vote if they received at least 20 percent of the convention vote.
Democratic nomination
Candidates
- Emilio Q. Daddario, U.S. Representative for the 1st district
Results
Daddario was unopposed for the nomination at the state convention.
Republican nomination
Candidates
- Wallace Barnes, State Senate Minority leader
- Thomas Meskill, U.S. Representative for the 6th district
Results
The Republican state convention was held on June 20, 1970 at Hartford.
The Republican primary election was held on August 12, 1970.