1912 Texas gubernatorial election

The 1912 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1912, in order to elect the Governor of Texas. Incumbent Democratic governor Oscar Branch Colquitt easily won re-election to a second term, defeating his token opposition from various other parties.[1]

1912 Texas gubernatorial election

← 1910November 5, 19121914 →
 
NomineeOscar Branch ColquittReddin Andrews
PartyDemocraticSocialist
Popular vote234,35225,258
Percentage77.8%8.4%

 
NomineeC. W. JohnsonEd C. Lasater
PartyRepublicanProgressive
Popular vote23,08915,794
Percentage7.7%5.2%

Governor before election

Oscar Branch Colquitt
Democratic

Elected Governor

Oscar Branch Colquitt
Democratic

Democratic primary

In the early 20th century, winning the Democratic primary was akin to total victory in the election, as Texas was a solidly Democratic state. Governor Colquitt was challenged by Texas Supreme Court justice William F. Ramsey, but narrowly won the primary with 55% of the vote to Ramsey's 45%, effectively securing re-election.[2]

Primary results

Democratic primary results
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticOscar Branch Colquitt (incumbent) 219,808 55.00
DemocraticWilliam F. Ramsey179,85745.00
Total votes399,665 100.00

General election

Governor Colquitt faced scattered opposition in the general election, and defeated his five opponents with ease, winning 77.82% of the popular vote and keeping the governor's mansion in Democratic hands.[3]

Results

Texas Gubernatorial Election, 1912
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticOscar Branch Colquitt (incumbent) 234,352 77.82
SocialistReddin Andrews25,2588.39
RepublicanC.W. Johnson23,0897.67
ProgressiveEd Lasater15,7945.24
ProhibitionAndrew Jackson Houston2,3550.78
Socialist LaborK.E. Choate3080.10
Total votes301,157 100.00
Democratic hold

References