The first-in-the-nation primary was won by Edmund Muskie, but by a much narrower margin than expected over his much more liberal opponent, George McGovern.[1][2] Muskie's surprisingly close victory would slow his momentum to a halt, eventually leading him to drop out of the race altogether.[3] McGovern would go on to become the 1972 Democratic nominee, but he lost to incumbent Republican President Richard Nixon in a 49-state landslide.