Ms. For Mo

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Morris King “Mo” Udall was a U.S. Representative from Arizona who ran in the Democratic presidential primary in 1976. Udall’s platform concentrated on what he called “the three E’s”—energy, environment, and the economy. He advocated for the planned use of natural resources, a cut in the defense budget, and the federalization of the welfare system. He supported the Equal Rights Amendment and a national health insurance plan.

Unlike his Democratic rivals, Udall pivoted to the South in the hopes of gaining delegate votes below the Mason-Dixon line. He traveled throughout various Southern states, some of which showed favorability to Udall. This unusual strategy, however, did not pay off. Despite his early primary strength and support form the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, he was never able to win a primary victory. After losing the Ohio primary on June 9, 1976, Udall ended his campaign and the Democratic nomination eventually went to Jimmy Carter.