For related races, see 1978 United States gubernatorial elections.
1978 Tennessee gubernatorial election
← 1974
November 7, 1978
1982 →
Nominee
Lamar Alexander
Jake Butcher
Party
Republican
Democratic
Popular vote
661,959
523,495
Percentage
55.84%
44.16%
County results Alexander: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Butcher: 50–60% 60–70%
Governor before election
Ray Blanton
Democratic
Elected Governor
Lamar Alexander
Republican
Elections in Tennessee
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Let's Move Nashville
Government
v
t
e
The 1978 Tennessee gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1978, to elect the next governor of Tennessee. Although the Tennessee State Constitution had been amended in early 1978 to allow a governor to succeed himself, Incumbent Democratic governor Ray Blanton chose not to seek re-election. Republican Lamar Alexander once again ran for governor. In the general election, Alexander defeated Democratic nominee Jake Butcher with 55.8% of the vote.
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