The 1970 Arkansas gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1970. Incumbent Republican Governor Winthrop Rockefeller ran for a third term but was defeated by Democratic nominee Dale Bumpers who won 61.66% of the vote. , this was the last time Lee County voted for the Republican candidate. Primary elections Primary elections were held on August 25, 1970, with the Democratic runoff held on September 8, 1970. Democratic primary Candidates Dale Bumpers, Charleston city attorney William S. Cheek, businessman Robert C. Compton, lawyer and former Prosecuting Attorney Orval Faubus, former Governor Hayes C. McClerkin, Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives James M. Malone, Jr., farmer, son of J. M. Malone, unsuccessful candidate for Democratic nomination for Governor in 1946 Joe Purcell, incumbent Arkansas Attorney General Bill Wells, Former State Representative and Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1968 Results Republican primary Candidates Les Gibbs, former tax collector R. J. Hampton, president of Shorter College, North Little Rock; first black candidate for Governor since 1920 James MacKrell, Preacher, radio broadcaster, former public relations executive, and a Democratic Candidate for Governor in 1948 Winthrop Rockefeller, incumbent Governor Results General election Candidates Dale Bumpers, Democratic Winthrop Rockefeller, Republican Walter L. Carruth, American Party, farmer Results overview Results by county References Bibliography 1970 Arkansas Gubernatorial November 1970 events in the United States