Edgar Whitcomb Republican Otis Bowen Republican The 1972 Indiana gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972.

Although during the same election cycle Indiana voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing the governor to serve in office for eight out of 12 years, incumbent Republican Governor Edgar Whitcomb was term-limited due to having been elected under the prior version of the constitution.

[1][2][3] Republican nominee, Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives Otis Bowen defeated Democratic nominee Former Governor (1961-1965) Matthew E. Welsh with 56.77% of the vote.

Until 1976, all nominations for statewide office in Indiana were made by state conventions.

[4][5] Matthew E. Welsh, former Governor def.