The 1940 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1940. Incumbent Democratic Governor W. Lee O'Daniel defeated Republican nominee George C. Hopkins with 94.42% of the vote.
Nominations
Democratic primary The Democratic primary election was held on July 27, 1940. By winning over 50% of the vote, O'Daniel avoided a run-off.
Candidates Arlon Barton "Cyclone" Davis, son of James Harvey "Cyclone" Davis Miriam A. Ferguson, former Governor Harry Hines, incumbent Highway Commissioner W. Lee O'Daniel, incumbent Governor Jerry Sadler, incumbent Railroad Commissioner Ernest O. Thompson, incumbent Railroad Commissioner and unsuccessful candidate for Democratic nomination for Governor in 1938
Withdrawn R. P. "Rip" Condron, theater owner from La Feria (endorsed Thompson). Albert L. Derden, incumbent member of the Texas House of Representatives from Falls County (endorsed Hines).
Results
Republican nomination
The Republican state convention was held at Beaumont on August 13, 1940. George C. Hopkins, businessman, was nominated for Governor.
General election
Candidates W. Lee O'Daniel, Democratic George C. Hopkins, Republican Ben H. Lauderdale, Communist, nominee for Agriculture Commissioner in 1938
Results
References
Bibliography