1960 North Carolina gubernatorial election

The 1960 North Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1960. Democratic nominee Terry Sanford defeated Republican nominee Robert L. Gavin with 54.45% of the vote.

Background
By 1960, many of the North Carolina's leading Democratic politicians from the previous two decades were dead. The incumbent governor, Luther H. Hodges did not have a strong political organization and was retiring from politics.

Democratic primary campaign
John Davis Larkins Jr. was the first Democrat to declare his candidacy, announcing his bid on January 20, 1960.

Primary elections
Primary elections were held on May 28, 1960.

Candidates

 * Terry Sanford, former State Senator
 * I. Beverly Lake Sr., attorney
 * Malcolm B. Seawell, North Carolina Attorney General
 * John Davis Larkins Jr., former State Senator

Candidates

 * Terry Sanford, Democratic
 * Robert L. Gavin, Republican