1979 Kentucky gubernatorial election
The 1979 Kentucky gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1979. Democratic nominee John Y. Brown Jr. defeated Republican nominee Louie Nunn with 59.41% of the vote.
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on May 29, 1979.Democratic primary
Candidates
- John Y. Brown Jr., businessman
- Harvey I. Sloane, former Mayor of Louisville
- Terry McBrayer, former State Representative
- Carroll Hubbard, U.S. Representative
- Thelma Stovall, incumbent Lieutenant Governor
- Lyle L. Willis
- George L. Atkins, Kentucky State Auditor
- Doris Shuja Binion
- John J. Weikel
Republican primary
Candidates
- Louie Nunn, former Governor
- Ray B. White
- Elmer Begley Jr.
- Thurman Jerome Hamlin
General election
Candidates
- John Y. Brown Jr., Democratic
- Louie Nunn, Republican