United States gubernatorial elections were held in the fall of 1979, in three states and one territory.
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4 governorships 3 states; 1 territory | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Democratic hold
Republican gain |
Republicans gained one gubernatorial seat in this year with Dave Treen's victory in Louisiana, who as a result became the first Republican Governor of that state since the Reconstruction era (1865-1877). Treen led a field of six major candidates in the October 27 primary, and narrowly edged state senator Louis Lambert in the December 8 general election (or "runoff").
Democrats held control of the governor's mansions in Kentucky and Mississippi in the November 6 general elections.
A bolded state name features an article about the specific election.
State | Incumbent | Party | First elected |
Result | Candidates |
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Kentucky[1] | Julian Carroll | Democratic | 1974[a] | Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Democratic hold. |
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Louisiana | Edwin Edwards | Democratic | 1972 | Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Republican gain. |
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Mississippi | Cliff Finch | Democratic | 1975 | Incumbent term-limited.[2] New governor elected. Democratic hold. |
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