1972 Arkansas gubernatorial election

The 1972 Arkansas gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972.

Incumbent Democratic Governor Dale Bumpers defeated Republican nominee Len E. Blaylock with 75.44% of the vote, despite Democratic nominee George McGovern losing the state in a landslide in the concurrent presidential election.

Primary elections
Primary elections were held on May 30, 1972.

Candidates

 * Dale Bumpers, incumbent Governor
 * George W. Davis, State Representative
 * Les Gibbs, Former Labor Union official
 * Mack Harbour, Hospital administrator
 * Q. Byrum Hurst, State Senator

Results
Bumpers avoided a run-off (which would have been held 13 June) by winning with more than 50% of the vote.

Candidates

 * Len E. Blaylock, former staffer and Welfare Commissioner under Winthrop Rockefeller

Candidates

 * Dale Bumpers, Democratic
 * Len E. Blaylock, Republican