The Candidate (1972) was released a month prior to the 1972 California Presidential primary. Promotional sheets were put up in southern California resembling political posters. They had simply a photo of Robert Redford, with the slogan, "McKay: The Better Way!" - "McKay" got write-in votes in the June election.
Scriptwriter Jeremy Larner used to write political speeches for 1968 presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy.
Robert Redford originated the project and personally hired Michael Ritchie to direct it as he had worked as a technical adviser on various political campaigns.
The role of Senator Crocker Jarmon was originally offered to James Stewart, who turned the part down because he felt it was derogatory towards conservative politicians.