For related races, see 1970 United States gubernatorial elections.
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The 1970 Hawaii gubernatorial election was Hawaii's fourth gubernatorial election. The election was held on November 3, 1970, and resulted in a victory for the Democratic candidate, incumbent Governor of Hawaii John A. Burns over Republican candidate, Judge Samuel Pailthorpe King. Burns received more votes than King in every county in the state.
Both the Democratic and Republican primaries were contested, with the primary votes held on October 3, 1970.
Governor Burns became ill to the point of incapacitation for the last year of this term, and although he remained the governor in name, Lt. Gov. George Ariyoshi took the role of acting governor from October 26, 1973 until the end of this term on December 2, 1974.
As of 2022, this was the most recent Hawaii gubernatorial election in which both candidates are now deceased.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- John A. Burns, incumbent Governor
- G.J. Fontes
- Thomas Gill, Lieutenant Governor
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | John A. Burns | 82,441 | 53.23 | |
| Democratic | Thomas Gill | 69,209 | 44.69 | |
| Democratic | G.J. Fontes | 3,232 | 2.09 | |
| Total votes | 154,882 | 100.00 | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Samuel Pailthorpe King, First Circuit Court and Family Court Judge
- Hebden Porteus, State Senator
- David Watumull
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Samuel Pailthorpe King | 20,605 | 49.29 | |
| Republican | Hebden Porteus | 17,880 | 42.77 | |
| Republican | David Watumull | 3,318 | 7.94 | |
| Total votes | 41,803 | 100 | ||
General election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | John A. Burns (incumbent) | 137,812 | 57.65 | +6.59 | |
| Republican | Samuel Pailthorpe King | 101,249 | 42.35 | −6.59 | |
| Majority | 36,563 | 15.29 | +13.17 | ||
| Turnout | 239,061 | 31.05 | −2.64 | ||
| Democratic hold | Swing | ||||
References
- ^ "HI Governor Race – Nov 03, 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
- "HI Governor – Succession Race – Oct 14, 1973". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
- "George Ryoichi Ariyoshi – Hawaii History – Governors". Hawaii History. Archived from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
- "HI Governor – D Primary Race – Oct 03, 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
- "HI Governor – R Primary Race – Oct 03, 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
| (1968 ←) 1970 United States elections (→ 1972) | |
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