1972 Arkansas gubernatorial election
The 1972 Arkansas gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972.
Incumbent Democratic Governor Dale Bumpers defeated Republican nominee Len E. Blaylock with 75.44% of the vote, despite Democratic nominee George McGovern losing the state in a landslide in the concurrent presidential election.
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on May 30, 1972.Democratic primary
Candidates
- Dale Bumpers, incumbent Governor
- George W. Davis, State Representative
- Les Gibbs, Former Labor Union official
- Mack Harbour, Hospital administrator
- Q. Byrum Hurst, State Senator
Results
Bumpers avoided a run-off by winning with more than 50% of the vote.Republican primary
Candidates
- Len E. Blaylock, former staffer and Welfare Commissioner under Winthrop Rockefeller
General election
Candidates
- Dale Bumpers, Democratic
- Len E. Blaylock, Republican