1972 West Virginia gubernatorial election

The 1972 West Virginia gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1972, to elect the governor of West Virginia. Incumbent governor Arch A. Moore, Jr. successfully ran for reelection to a second term.

1972 West Virginia gubernatorial election

November 7, 1972

Nominee Arch A. Moore Jr. Jay Rockefeller Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 423,817 350,462 Percentage 54.74% 45.26%

County results Moore:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Rockefeller:      50–60%

Governor before election Arch A. Moore Jr. Republican Elected Governor Arch A. Moore Jr. Republican

Both the primaries and general election were held in the aftermath of the Buffalo Creek flood and a movement to abolish strip mining in the state. Democratic nominee Jay Rockefeller campaigned on a proposal to abolish strip mining entirely if elected.[1]

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Lee Mountcastle Kenna, Kanawha County Assessor[1] and founder of the Sunrise Museum
• Bobbie Edward Myers, Huntington businessman[1]
• Jay Rockefeller, West Virginia Secretary of State and member of the Rockefeller family

Results

1972 West Virginia Democratic gubernatorial primary[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Jay Rockefeller	262,613	72.20%
	Democratic	Lee M. Kenna	63,514	17.46%
	Democratic	Bobbie Edward Myers	37,616	10.34%
Total votes			363,743	100.00%

General election

Results

1972 West Virginia gubernatorial election[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Arch A. Moore, Jr.	423,817	54.74
	Democratic	Jay Rockefeller	350,462	45.26
Total votes			774,279	100
	Republican hold

References

1. Franklin, Ben A. (11 May 1972). "THE 1972 CAMPAIGN". Retrieved 17 October 2019.
2. "Our Campaigns - WV Governor - D Primary Race - May 09, 1972". Retrieved May 9, 2016.
3. "Our Campaigns - WV Governor Race - Nov 07, 1972". Retrieved May 9, 2016.