Alabama gubernatorial election, 1978

Alabama gubernatorial election, 1978
Alabama
November 7, 1978
 
Nominee Fob James Guy Hunt
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 551,786 196,963
Percentage 72.6% 25.9%

Governor before election

George Wallace
Democratic

 Elected
Governor

Fob James
Democratic

Elections in Alabama

The 1978 Alabama gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978 to elect the Governor of Alabama. Incumbent Democratic Governor George Wallace did not run for re-election. Fob James, a businessman who has switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party and campaigned as a "born-again Democrat", won the Democratic primary in an upset over Attorney General Bill Baxley. He went on to defeat Guy Hunt in a landslide in the general election.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Despite entering the race as a former Republican with low name identification and little political experience, by the time of the primary, James led Baxley, Beasley, and Brewer, who were considered the main contenders, in the polls. James placed first in the primary, followed by Baxley. Fob James then won the primary runoff against Bill Baxley.

Republican primary

Candidates

General Election

Results

Fob James won all but two counties: Cullman, where Hunt had been Probate Judge; and Winston, a traditionally Republican stonghold.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Alabama Governors: Forrest Hood (Fob) James, Jr.". Alabama Department of Archives and History. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Source for Popular Vote data: Alabama Secretary of State. Governor - 1978 Election, Alabama Secretary of State". Alabama Secretary of State. Retrieved July 23, 2014.

External links