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.

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 , 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:Our Campaigns - GA Governor - D Runoff Race - Sep 23, 1970
 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

References

Category:1970 in the United States
Category:Jimmy Carter
Category:Gubernatorial elections in the United States