South Carolina gubernatorial election, 1970

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The 1970 South Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1970 to select the governor of the state of South Carolina. John Carl West, the Democratic nominee, won a close general election against Albert Watson, the Republican congressman from the 2nd congressional district.

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[edit] Primaries

Both John Carl West and Albert Watson faced no opposition in their party's primaries which allowed both candidates to concentrate solely on the general election.

[edit] General Election

The general election was held on November 3, 1970 and John Carl West was elected as the next governor of South Carolina. Turnout was even higher than the previous gubernatorial election because of the recent enfranchisement of black voters and the controversial candidacy of Albert Watson.

South Carolina Gubernatorial Election, 1970
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic John Carl West 251,151 52.1 -6.1
Republican Albert Watson 221,236 45.9 +4.1
Independent A.W. "Red" Bethea 9,758 2.0 +2.0
Majority 29,915 6.2 -10.2
Turnout 482,145 54.2 +4.7
  Democratic hold
1970 South Carolina gubernatorial election map, by percentile by county.      65+% won by West      60%-64% won by West      55%-59% won by West      50%-54% won by West      <50% won by West      <50% won by Watson      50%-54% won by Watson      60%-64% won by Watson
1970 South Carolina gubernatorial election map, by percentile by county.      65+% won by West      60%-64% won by West      55%-59% won by West      50%-54% won by West      <50% won by West      <50% won by Watson      50%-54% won by Watson      60%-64% won by Watson

[edit] See also

[edit] External links


Preceded by
1966
South Carolina gubernatorial elections Succeeded by
1974