when gerald ford became president after richard nixon resigned, the vice presidency became vacant. on august 20, 1974, the new president ford nominated former new york governor nelson rockefeller to be the new vice president. on december 10, 1974, the senate confirmed rockefeller with a vote of 90–7. nine days later, the house voted 287-128 to confirm rockefeller. he was sworn into office later on december 19, 1974, before the senate.