1911 Arizona gubernatorial election

The 1911 Arizona gubernatorial election took place on December 12, 1911, for the post of the first elected Governor of Arizona. The Democratic nominee George W. P. Hunt defeated the Republican nominee Edmund W. Wells. Hunt and Wells were both members of the Constitutional Convention, Hunt being chosen President and leading the way for much of the drafting. Wells refused to sign the Constitution, considering aspects like the initiative, referendum, and especially judicial recall to be too radical.

1911 Arizona gubernatorial election

December 12, 1911

Nominee George W. P. Hunt Edmund W. Wells P. W. Gallentine Party Democratic Republican Socialist Popular vote 11,123 9,166 1,247 Percentage 51.46% 42.41% 5.77%

Governor of Arizona Territory before election Richard Elihu Sloan Republican Governor of Arizona after election George W. P. Hunt Democratic

These fears proved prophetic when it was originally rejected by fellow Republican, former judge, and incumbent President William Howard Taft. Wells' refusal to sign, and Taft's veto of, the state constitution hurt but did not cripple his electoral chances, as he only lost by less than 2,000 votes out of about 21,000 cast. [1]

George W. P. Hunt was sworn in as Arizona's first elected Governor on February 12, 1912.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• George W. P. Hunt, President of the Arizona Constitutional Convention, former President of the Legislative Council, and businessman.
• Thomas F. Weedin, editor of the Blade-Tribune.
• Henry A. Hughes, physician.

Results

Democratic primary results [1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	George W. P. Hunt	5,241	53.85%
	Democratic	Thomas Weedin	3,532	36.29%
	Democratic	Henry A. Hughes	960	9.86%
Total votes			9,733	100.00

General election

Results

Arizona gubernatorial election, 1911 [1] [2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	George W. P. Hunt	11,123	51.46%	N/a
	Republican	Edmund W. Wells	9,166	42.41%	N/a
	Socialist	P. W. Gallentine	1,247	5.77%	N/a
	Prohibition	T. W. Otis	79	0.36%	N/a
Majority			1,957	9.05%	N/a
Turnout			21,615
	Democratic gain from Republican		Swing

References

1. Goff 1973, p. 48.
2. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=123350 Our Campaigns

Bibliography

• Goff, John S. (1973). "Creation of the State of Arizona". George W. P. Hunt and his Arizona. Phoenix: Socio-Technical Publications. p. 48.