Arkansas gubernatorial election, 1966

The Arkansas gubernatorial election of November 8, 1966 was the first time since Reconstruction, when a member of the Republican Party was elected Governor.

The same year, during midterm election, Republican made some gains in the traditionally Democratic southern stronghold - including winning Governorship in Florida (also first time since reconstruction), and narrowly losing gubernatorial race in Georgia (when GOP candidate win plurality, but democratic-controlled legislature selected their own candidate).

Democratic nomination

Popular and powerful six-term (since 1955) incumbent Orval E. Faubus decided to not seek re-election.

Candidates:
* Congressman Thomas Dale Alford
* Sam Boyce
* Congressman Brooks Hays
* Judge Frank Holt
* State Supreme Court Justice James D. "Justice Jim" Johnson
* Raymond Rebsamen
* Kenneth S. Sulcer

"Justice Jim" Johnson, a political ally of George Wallace, ran on a very segregationist campaign with support of White Citizens Council. During Little Rock Nine crisis he played an important role and during 1956 Democratic primary he accused Faubus, a political segregationist, to "Faubus of working behind the scenes for racial integration".

Primary results [ [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=382417 Our Campaigns - AR Governor - D Primary Race - Jul 26, 1966 ] ] (July 26):
* Jonhson - 105,607 (25.14%)
* Holt - 92,711 (22.07%)
* Hays - 64,814 (15.43%)
* Alford - 53,531 (12.74%)
* Boyce - 49,744 (11.84%)
* Rebsamen - 35,607 (8.48%)
* Sulcer - 18,051 (4.30%)

Runoff [ [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=376039 Our Campaigns - AR Governor - D Runoff Race - Aug 09, 1966 ] ] (August 9):
* Johnson - 210,543 (51.86%)
* Holt - 195,442 (48.14%)

Holt was supporter by many younger, more liberal, democrats, such as future Governor and President of the United States Bill Clinton, who served as his campaign aide.

Republican nomination

A northeastern native, multimillionaire and scion of prominent political/business family Winthrop Rockefeller was nominated unopposed. Rockefeller was a candidate in the 1964 election.

Campaign

Rockefeller was an unusual candidate - an eastern establishment member and moderate-to-liberal party wing member (such as his brother, Governor of New York Nelson Rockefeller, an unofficial leader of this wing tor many years).

Republican Party at this time practically played very, very minor role in state's politics.

However, his popularity and break within Democratic camp, where many were outraged with Johnson racist stances, and good year for the Republicans helped him win.

Results

Rockefeller won with over 9% margin [ [http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=261822 Our Campaigns - AR Governor Race - Nov 08, 1966 ] ] :

* Winthrop Rockefeller (R) - 306,324 (54.36%)
* James D. Johnson (D) - 257,203 (45.64%)

References