1959 Kentucky gubernatorial election

The 1959 Kentucky gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1959. Democratic nominee Bert Combs defeated Republican nominee John M. Robsion Jr. with 60.56% of the vote.

1959 Kentucky gubernatorial election

November 3, 1959

Nominee Bert Combs John M. Robsion Jr. Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 516,549 336,456 Percentage 60.56% 39.44%

Combs:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90% Robsion:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Governor before election Happy Chandler Democratic Elected Governor Bert Combs Democratic

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on May 25, 1959.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Bert Combs, Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals
• Harry Lee Waterfield, former Lieutenant Governor
• Jesse N. R. Cecil
• James L. Delk

Results

Results by county:

  Combs

•   40–50%
•   50–60%
•   60–70%
•   70–80%

  Waterfield

•   40–50%
•   50–60%
•   60–70%
•   70–80%

Democratic primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Bert Combs	292,462	52.25
	Democratic	Harry Lee Waterfield	259,461	46.36
	Democratic	Jesse N. R. Cecil	4,303	0.77
	Democratic	James L. Delk	3,474	0.62
Total votes			559,700	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• John M. Robsion Jr., former U.S. Representatives
• Thurman Jerome Hamlin, perennial candidate
• Granville Thomas

Results

Republican primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	John M. Robsion Jr.	63,130	86.31
	Republican	Thurman Jerome Hamlin	6,019	8.23
	Republican	Granville Thomas	3,991	5.46
Total votes			73,140	100.00

General election

Candidates

• Bert Combs, Democratic
• John M. Robsion Jr., Republican

Results

1959 Kentucky gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Bert Combs	516,549	60.56%
	Republican	John M. Robsion Jr.	336,456	39.44%
Majority			180,093
Turnout			853,005
	Democratic hold		Swing