1966 Kansas gubernatorial election
The 1966 Kansas gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1966. The election pitted Democratic Robert Docking against incumbent Republican William H. Avery. On the campaign trail, Docking attacked Avery for his administration's unpopular income and sales tax hikes. Avery was also hurt by a contentious court ordered school district unification process that took place during his term. Avery had trailed in polling before the election, but was still seen as the favorite due to Kansas's strong Republican tradition and the intense unpopularity of the Johnson Administration in the state. Despite this, Docking defeated governor Avery 55% to 44%
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on August 2, 1966.Democratic primary
Candidates
- Robert Docking, Mayor of Arkansas City
- George Hart, former Kansas State Treasurer
Republican primary
Candidates
- William H. Avery, incumbent Governor
- Dell Crozier
General election
Candidates
Major party candidates- Robert Docking, Democratic
- William H. Avery, Republican
- Rolland Ernest Fisher, Prohibition
- Carson Crawford, Independent