Preston Smith Democratic Dolph Briscoe Democratic The 1972 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972, to elect the governor of Texas.

Incumbent Democratic governor Preston Smith ran for reelection, but lost renomination to businessman Dolph Briscoe.

Smith was overwhelmingly rejected in the Democratic primary, taking fourth place with only 8% of the vote amid the fallout from the Sharpstown scandal.

Raza Unida candidate Ramsey Muniz won 6%.

As of 2022, this is the last time Jim Hogg and Brooks counties did not vote for the Democratic candidate, instead voting for the Raza Unida party.