alternatehistory.com

The 1974 Midterm elections saw a Democratic sweep due to Watergate and the pardon of Nixon, recession, and Inflation. The House would see a net gain of 49 seats for the Democrats, pushing them over a 2/3rds majority in that chamber. It also saw them gain 4 Senate seats and 4 Governorships. Many of the new Democrats elected, called "Watergate Babies" were elected to reform Government and also wanted to reduce the strength of the more conservative southern Democrats, who controlled most of the committees.