1978 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
The 1978 Oklahoma gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, to elect the next governor of Oklahoma. Incumbent Democratic governor David Boren chose not to run for re-election to a second term in office. Instead, Boren decided to run for the United States Senate. Former governor, and sitting lieutenant governor George Nigh was elected, defeating Republican nominee Ron Shotts.
Primary election
Primary elections were held on August 22, 1978 with runoffs occurring on September 19, 1978.Democratic party
Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma George Nigh, who briefly served as governor in January of 1963, received just under an outright majority of votes in the primary, necessitating a runoff against Attorney General of Oklahoma Larry Derryberry.Candidates
- Larry Derryberry, Attorney General of Oklahoma
- Bob Funston, member of Oklahoma Senate
- George Nigh, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
Republican party
Candidates
- Jim Head
- Jerry L. Mash
- Ron Shotts, former Oklahoma Sooners football player
General election
Candidates
Major party candidates- George Nigh, Democratic
- Ron Shotts, Republican