1970 Oklahoma gubernatorial election

Summary

The 1970 Oklahoma gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1970, and was a race for Governor of Oklahoma. Democrat David Hall narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Dewey F. Bartlett, a result that was not clear for 21 days as a ballot recount was conducted.[1] American Party candidate Reuel Little, who had helped form the party to back the 1968 presidential campaign of George Wallace, received over 24 thousand votes, dwarfing the difference between Hall and Bartlett.[2][3] As of 2023, this election was the only time that an incumbent Governor of Oklahoma lost re-election.

1970 Oklahoma gubernatorial election

← 1966 November 3, 1970 1974 →
 
Nominee David Hall Dewey F. Bartlett
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 338,338 336,157
Percentage 48.4% 48.1%

County results
Hall:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Bartlett:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election

Dewey F. Bartlett
Republican

Elected Governor

David Hall
Democratic

Results edit

1970 gubernatorial election, Oklahoma
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic David Hall 338,338 48.4
Republican Dewey F. Bartlett (incumbent) 336,157 48.1
American Reuel Little 24,295 3.4
Majority 1,181 0.3 N/A
Turnout 674,495
Democratic gain from Republican Swing

[3]

References edit

  1. ^ "David Hall, the dramatic and controversial life of Oklahoma's 20th governor" (PDF). Voices of Oklahoma. pp. 23–24. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 15, 2021.
  2. ^ "Janna Little Ryan's Grandfather Ran for Governor, Helped George Wallace". August 11, 2012.
  3. ^ a b "1968-1974 results" (PDF). Oklahoma State Election Board. p. 28.