1978 Tennessee gubernatorial election

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.

Primary elections
Primary elections were held on August 3, 1978.

Candidates

 * Jake Butcher, businessman
 * Bob Clement, Public Service Commissioner
 * Richard Fulton, Mayor of Nashville
 * Roger Murray
 * Shelley Stiles
 * Bill Jacox
 * William K. Jackson
 * Ben Miller

Candidates

 * Lamar Alexander, attorney and nominee for governor in 1974
 * Harold Sterling, State Representative
 * John H. Harper
 * Hubert David Patty, perennial candidate

Candidates

 * Lamar Alexander, Republican
 * Jake Butcher, Democratic