Alabama gubernatorial election, 1978

Alabama gubernatorial election, 1978

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

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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 had 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

• Bill Baxley, Attorney General of Alabama
• Jere Beasley, Lieutenant Governor
• Albert Brewer, former Governor
• Jim Folsom, former Governor
• K.C. Foster
• Horace Howell
• Fob James, businessman^[1]
• Sid McDonald, State Senator
• Bob Muncaster
• Shorty Price, perennial candidate
• Fred Sandefer
• Cornelia Wallace, former First Lady of Alabama
• Charles Woods, businessman and perennial candidate

Results

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

• Guy Hunt, former Cullman County Probate Judge

General Election

Results

• Fob James (Democratic), 72.6%
• Guy Hunt (Republican), 25.9%
• Jim Partain (Prohibition), 1.1%
• Richard Dare (Independent), 0.5%

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

References

External links

Alabama gubernatorial elections
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