1969 Maryland gubernatorial special election

The 1969 Maryland gubernatorial special election was not a direct election, but a vote in the Maryland General Assembly to determine who would assume the governorship of Maryland after Spiro Agnew's resignation, following his election to the U.S. vice presidency.
At this time Maryland didn't have a position of lieutenant governor, and state law did not designate a person who would assume the office of governor in case of vacancy.
In case of vacancy, the General Assembly would choose a governor.
In 1969 the Assembly had a Democratic majority, so it was clear that Republican Agnew's successor would be a Democrat.
The election was held on January 7, 1969. State representative Marvin Mandel was elected governor. He took office that same day, upon Agnew's resignation.

Candidates

State Senator William S. James
State Delegate Francis X. Gallagher
State Delegate Marvin Mandel
U.S. Representative Rogers Morton

Vote

Mandel – 126 :
Morton – 26
Gallagher – 15
James – 13

Although there were three Democrats and only one Republican on the ballot, Mandel was elected easily. He was elected in the next regular direct election in 1970 and re-elected in 1974.