1950 Arkansas gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1950 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 1950 Arkansas gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1950.

1950 Arkansas gubernatorial election

← 1948 November 7, 1950 1952 →

Nominee Sid McMath Jefferson W. Speck Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 266,778 50,309 Percentage 84.13% 15.87%

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

Governor before election Sid McMath Democratic Elected Governor Sid McMath Democratic

Incumbent Democratic Governor Sid McMath defeated Republican nominee Jefferson W. Speck with 84.13% of the vote.

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on July 25, 1950.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• M. G. Bankston
• J. T. Harris
• Benjamin Travis Laney, former Governor
• Sid McMath, incumbent Governor

Results

Democratic primary results^[1][2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Sid McMath (incumbent)	209,559	63.98
	Democratic	Benjamin Travis Laney	112,651	34.39
	Democratic	J. T. Harris	4,069	1.24
	Democratic	M. G. Bankston	1,280	0.39
Total votes			327,559	100.00

General election

Candidates

• Sid McMath, Democratic
• Jefferson W. Speck, Republican, planter and businessman

Results

1950 Arkansas gubernatorial election^[3][4]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Sid McMath (incumbent)	266,778	84.13%	−5.24%
	Republican	Jefferson W. Speck	50,309	15.87%	+5.24%
Majority			216,469	68.26%
Turnout			317,087	100.00%
	Democratic hold		Swing