1954 Tennessee gubernatorial election

The 1954 Tennessee gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1954, to elect the next governor of Tennessee. Incumbent Democratic Governor Frank G. Clement defeated Independent candidate John Randolph Neal Jr. with 87.2% of the vote.

1954 Tennessee gubernatorial election

November 2, 1954
 
Nominee Frank G. Clement John Randolph Neal Jr.
Party Democratic Independent
Popular vote 281,291 39,574
Percentage 87.2% 12.3%

County results
Clement:      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

Governor before election

Frank G. Clement
Democratic

Elected Governor

Frank G. Clement
Democratic

In 1953, the Tennessee State Constitution was amended, extending the gubernatorial term from two years to four years. The new amendments prevented governors from serving consecutive terms, but a temporary exception was made for Clement. He was elected to a full four-year term after his initial two-year term.[1]

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on August 5, 1954.[2]

Candidates

Results

Democratic primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Frank G. Clement (incumbent) 481,808 68.17
Democratic Gordon Browning 195,156 27.61
Democratic Raulston Schoolfield 29,866 4.23
Total votes 706,830 100.00

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

  • Frank G. Clement, Democratic
  • W.E. Michel, Republican

Other candidates

  • John Randolph Neal Jr., Independent

Results

1954 Tennessee gubernatorial election[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Frank G. Clement (incumbent) 281,291 87.20%
Independent John Randolph Neal Jr. 39,574 12.27%
Republican W. E. Michel 1,705 0.53%
Majority 281,291
Turnout 322,586
Democratic hold Swing

References

  1. Phillip Langsdon, Tennessee: A Political History (Franklin, Tenn.: Hillsboro Press, 2000), pp. 325-329, 351-367.
  2. Guide to U.S. elections - CQ Press, Congressional Quarterly, inc. CQ Press. 2005. ISBN 9781568029818. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  3. Cook, Rhodes (October 26, 2017). America Votes 32: 2015-2016, Election Returns by State - Rhodes Cook. ISBN 9781506368993. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
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