Incumbent Democratic governor J. Millard Tawes was unable to seek a third term in office.

In the election to succeed him, George P. Mahoney, a controversial segregationist, emerged from the Democratic primary due to splintered support for the two major candidates.

Baltimore County Executive Spiro Agnew, was nominated by the Republican Party as their gubernatorial candidate.

Mahoney's slogan, "Your home is your castle--protect it",[3] as well as his stance on many civil rights issues,[4] prompted Baltimore City Comptroller Hyman A. Pressman to enter the race as an independent candidate.

Mahoney's controversial stances caused many in the Maryland Democratic Party to split their support between Agnew, which was possible due to his socially progressive views, and Pressman, which enabled Agnew to win the election with a plurality, taking 70% of the black vote.