The 1976 New Hampshire gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1976. Incumbent Republican Governor Meldrim Thomson Jr. defeated Democratic nominee Harry V. Spanos with 57.66% of the vote.
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on September 14, 1976.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Carmen C. Chimento, American Independent Party candidate for the 1974 and 1975 United States Senate elections in New Hampshire
- James A. Connor, former county attorney for Hillsborough County
- Hugh J. Gallen, State Representative
- Harry V. Spanos, former State Senator
Republican primary
Candidates
- Ralph Brewster
- Meldrim Thomson Jr., incumbent Governor
- Gerald J. Zeiller, former staffer to Senators Styles Bridges and Norris Cotton
General election
Candidates
- Harry Spanos, Democratic
- Meldrim Thomson, Republican