1970 Hawaii gubernatorial election

The 1970 Hawaii gubernatorial election was Hawaii's fourth gubernatorial election. The election was held on November 3, 1970, and resulted in a victory for the Democratic candidate, incumbent Governor of Hawaii John A. Burns over Republican candidate, Judge Samuel Pailthorpe King. Burns received more votes than King in every county in the state.[1]

1970 Hawaii gubernatorial election

← 1966 November 3, 1970 1974 →
 
Nominee John A. Burns Samuel King
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate George Ariyoshi Ralph Kiyosaki
Popular vote 137,812 101,249
Percentage 57.6% 42.4%

County results
Burns:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election

John A. Burns
Democratic

Elected Governor

John A. Burns
Democratic

Both the Democratic and Republican primaries were contested, with the primary votes held on October 3, 1970.

Governor Burns became ill to the point of incapacitation for the last year of this term, and although he remained the governor in name, Lt. Gov. George Ariyoshi took the role of acting governor from October 26, 1973 until the end of this term on December 2, 1974.[2][3]

As of 2022, this was the most recent Hawaii gubernatorial election in which both candidates are now deceased.

Democratic primary

edit

Candidates

edit

Declared

edit

Results

edit
Democratic primary results[4]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John A. Burns 82,441 53.23
Democratic Thomas Gill 69,209 44.69
Democratic G.J. Fontes 3,232 2.09
Total votes 154,882 100.00

Republican primary

edit

Candidates

edit

Declared

edit

Results

edit
Republican primary results[5]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Samuel Pailthorpe King 20,605 49.29
Republican Hebden Porteus 17,880 42.77
Republican David Watumull 3,318 7.94
Total votes 41,803 100

General election

edit
Hawaii gubernatorial election, 1970[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic John A. Burns (incumbent) 137,812 57.65 +6.59
Republican Samuel Pailthorpe King 101,249 42.35 −6.59
Majority 36,563 15.29 +13.17
Turnout 239,061 31.05 −2.64
Democratic hold Swing

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "HI Governor Race – Nov 03, 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  2. ^ "HI Governor – Succession Race – Oct 14, 1973". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  3. ^ "George Ryoichi Ariyoshi – Hawaii History – Governors". Hawaii History. Archived from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  4. ^ "HI Governor – D Primary Race – Oct 03, 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
  5. ^ "HI Governor – R Primary Race – Oct 03, 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.