The result was the closest in New Brunswick history: the governing PCs won 30 seats to 28 for the opposition.

A number of scandals had been tied to the Conservatives and Liberal leader Robert Higgins was widely popular.

Higgins was forced to abruptly resign and was replaced by Joseph Daigle as leader.

Despite the lack of a direct link to Hatfield, scandal remained tied to his government and a close election result was assured.

While campaigning in anglophone sections of the province, Hatfield accused Daigle of being an anti-monarchist for supporting Pierre Trudeau's constitutional reforms.