1970 Georgia gubernatorial election

The 1970 Georgia gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1970. It was known for electing little-known former state Senator Jimmy Carter Governor of Georgia after a hard battle in the Democratic primary.

1970 Georgia gubernatorial election

November 3, 1970

Nominee Jimmy Carter Hal Suit Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 620,419 424,983 Percentage 59.3% 40.6%

County results Carter:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Suit:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Lester Maddox Democratic Elected Governor Jimmy Carter Democratic

This election is famous because Carter, who was often seen as one of the New South Governors, later ran for president in 1976 on his gubernatorial record and won.

As of 2024, this is the last time Fulton County voted for the Republican candidate.

Democratic Primary results

First round

• Jimmy Carter – 388,280 (48.62%)
• Carl Sanders – 301,659 (37.77%)
• Chevene B. "C. B." King – 70,424 (8.82%)
• Ku Klux Klan leader Jesse Stoner – 17,663 (2.21%)
• McKee Hargett – 9,440 (1.18%)
• Thomas J. Irwin – 4,184 (0.52%)
• Adam B. Matthews – 3,332 (0.42%)

Runoff

A runoff was held on September 23:

• Carter – 506,462 (59.42%)
• Sanders – 345,906 (40.58%)

Republican Primary results

• Harold Columbus "Hal" Suit (1922–1994) – 62,868 (60.97%)
• James L. Bentley – 40,251 (39.03%)

General election

Georgia gubernatorial Election 1970
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Jimmy Carter	620,419	59.28%
	Republican	Hal Suit	424,983	40.60%