1938 Tennessee gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1938 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 1938 Tennessee gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1938. Democratic governor Gordon Browning lost his re-election bid in the primary and was defeated by Democratic nominee Prentice Cooper. In the general election, Cooper defeated Republican nominee Howard Baker Sr. with 71.7% of the vote.

1938 Tennessee gubernatorial election

November 8, 1938

Nominee Prentice Cooper Howard Baker Sr. Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 210,567 83,031 Percentage 71.72% 28.28%

County results Cooper:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Baker:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Governor before election Gordon Browning Democratic Elected Governor Prentice Cooper Democratic

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on August 4, 1938.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Prentice Cooper, State Senator from Shelbyville
• Gordon Browning, incumbent governor
• Roy Wallace
• J. Bailey Wray

Results

Democratic primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Prentice Cooper	237,853	59.45
	Democratic	Gordon Browning (incumbent)	158,854	39.70
	Democratic	Roy Wallace	2,385	0.60
	Democratic	J. Bailey Wray	1,012	0.25
Total votes			400,104	100.00

General election

Candidates

• Prentice Cooper, Democratic
• Howard Baker Sr., Republican

Results

1938 Tennessee gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Prentice Cooper	210,567	71.72%
	Republican	Howard Baker Sr.	83,031	28.28%
Majority			127,536
Turnout
	Democratic hold		Swing

See also

• 1938 United States Senate special election in Tennessee