1940 Texas gubernatorial election

The 1940 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1940.

Incumbent Democratic Governor W. Lee O'Daniel defeated Republican nominee George C. Hopkins with 94.42% of the vote.

Democratic primary
The Democratic primary election was held on July 27, 1940. By winning over 50% of the vote, O'Daniel avoided a run-off.

Candidates

 * Arlon Barton "Cyclone" Davis, son of James Harvey "Cyclone" Davis
 * Miriam A. Ferguson, former Governor
 * Harry Hines, incumbent Highway Commissioner
 * W. Lee O'Daniel, incumbent Governor
 * Jerry Sadler, incumbent Railroad Commissioner
 * Ernest O. Thompson, incumbent Railroad Commissioner and unsuccessful candidate for Democratic nomination for Governor in 1938

Withdrawn

 * R. P. "Rip" Condron, theater owner from La Feria (endorsed Thompson).
 * Albert L. Derden, incumbent member of the Texas House of Representatives from Falls County (endorsed Hines).

Republican nomination
The Republican state convention was held at Beaumont on August 13, 1940.

George C. Hopkins, businessman, was nominated for Governor.

Candidates

 * W. Lee O'Daniel, Democratic
 * George C. Hopkins, Republican
 * Ben H. Lauderdale, Communist, nominee for Agriculture Commissioner in 1938