1911 Arizona gubernatorial election

The 1911 Arizona gubernatorial election took place on December 12, 1911, for the post of the first elected Governor of Arizona. The Democratic nominee George W. P. Hunt defeated the Republican nominee Edmund W. Wells. Hunt and Wells were both members of the Constitutional Convention, Hunt being chosen President and leading the way for much of the drafting. Wells refused to sign the Constitution, considering aspects like the initiative, referendum, and especially judicial recall to be too radical.

1911 Arizona gubernatorial election

December 12, 1911
 
Nominee George W. P. Hunt Edmund W. Wells P. W. Gallentine
Party Democratic Republican Socialist
Popular vote 11,123 9,166 1,247
Percentage 51.46% 42.41% 5.77%

Governor of Arizona Territory before election

Richard Elihu Sloan
Republican

Governor of Arizona
after election

George W. P. Hunt
Democratic

These fears proved prophetic when it was originally rejected by fellow Republican, former judge, and incumbent President William Howard Taft. Wells' refusal to sign, and Taft's veto of, the state constitution hurt but did not cripple his electoral chances, as he only lost by less than 2,000 votes out of about 21,000 cast. [1]

George W. P. Hunt was sworn in as Arizona's first elected Governor on February 12, 1912.

Democratic primary

Candidates

  • George W. P. Hunt, President of the Arizona Constitutional Convention, former President of the Legislative Council, and businessman.
  • Thomas F. Weedin, editor of the Blade-Tribune.
  • Henry A. Hughes, physician.

Results

Democratic primary results [1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic George W. P. Hunt 5,241 53.85%
Democratic Thomas Weedin 3,532 36.29%
Democratic Henry A. Hughes 960 9.86%
Total votes 9,733 100.00

General election

Results

Arizona gubernatorial election, 1911 [1] [2]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic George W. P. Hunt 11,123 51.46% N/a
Republican Edmund W. Wells 9,166 42.41% N/a
Socialist P. W. Gallentine 1,247 5.77% N/a
Prohibition T. W. Otis 79 0.36% N/a
Majority 1,957 9.05% N/a
Turnout 21,615
Democratic gain from Republican Swing

References

Bibliography

  • Goff, John S. (1973). "Creation of the State of Arizona". George W. P. Hunt and his Arizona. Phoenix: Socio-Technical Publications. p. 48.
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