1938 Alabama gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1938 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 1938 Alabama gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 1938, to elect the governor of Alabama. Democratic incumbent Bibb Graves was term-limited, and could not seek a second consecutive term.

1938 Alabama gubernatorial election

November 8, 1938

Nominee Frank M. Dixon W. A. Clardy Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 115,761 16,513 Percentage 87.52% 12.48%

County results Dixon:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

Governor before election Bibb Graves Democratic Elected Governor Frank M. Dixon Democratic

Democratic primary

At the time this election took place, Alabama, as with most other southern states, was solidly Democratic, and the Republican Party had such diminished influence that the Democratic primary was the de facto contest for state offices; after winning the Democratic primary it was a given you would win the general election.

Candidates

• James H. Arnold
• Frank M. Dixon, attorney and candidate for governor in 1934
• R. J. Goode, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
• D. Hardy Riddle
• Chauncey Sparks, State Representative

Results

1938 Alabama Democratic gubernatorial primary

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Frank M. Dixon	152,860	48.62
	Democratic	Chauncey Sparks	74,544	23.71
	Democratic	R. J. Goode	70,287	22.36
	Democratic	D. Hardy Riddle	15,478	4.92
	Democratic	James H. Arnold	1,201	0.38
Total votes			314,370	100

Results

1938 Alabama gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Frank M. Dixon	115,761	87.52
	Republican	W. A. Clardy	16,513	12.48
Total votes			132,274	100.00
	Democratic hold