1. One of Georgia’s most embarrassing episodes in history
Three Governor Controversy SS8H10: Describe the relationship between the end of the white primary and the 1946 governor’s race.
One of Georgia’s most embarrassing episodes in history

2. The White Primary
Primary elections held in the south where only white voters were allowed to vote
Primary elections are held in order to narrow the field of candidates for each party
Republican primaries are to choose one candidate to run on the Republican ticket
Democratic primaries are to choose one candidate to run on the Democratic ticket
Most Southern states, Georgia especially, were generally “One Party States”, Democrat
By only allowing whites to vote, the primary elections were basically THE election
This was another means of disenfranchisement of the African American population
1945-King vs. Chapman court case was won in federal district court stating the white primary was unconstitutional and should be ended.

3. Eugene Talmadge-1946 The dilemma was who would be governor……
Elected as Governor for the FOURTH TIME
He won the primary and the election on the promise he would restore the white primary
However he died before taking office
The dilemma was who would be governor……
Past Ga. law stated the Ga. General Assembly would have the power to select the second or third vote getter if the winner should die before taking office
However……………….
New Ga. Constitution stated the Lt. Governor would be Governor if the Governor-elect should die

4. Herman Talmadge-#1
Eugene Talmadge was in poor health before the election
Many of his supporters suspected he might pass
They secretly wrote in his son, Herman Talmadge, on the ballot knowing past law would allow for Herman (the 2nd or 3rd winner) to become Governor
Segregationist, opponent to Civil Rights legislation

5. Melvin Thompson-#2 1946- Elected as the Lt. Governor
Member of the anti-Talmadge faction of the Democratic party
Under the new Ga Constitution, Thompson should become the new Governor
January, 1947, Ga. General Assembly selected Herman Talmadge as Governor

6. Ellis Arnall-#3 Outgoing Governor
Refused to give up the office until the issue was resolved
Believed the General Assembly did not have the authority to select H. Talmadge as Governor
Associated with the anti-Talmadge part of the Democratic party
Some physical altercations occurred between Talmadge and Arnall supporters
Talmadge had Arnall escorted out of the State Capitol by state troopers and changed the locks on the governor’s office
Arnall then set up a “second governor’s office” somewhere else in the Capitol
Finally gave up and supported Thompson

7. Conclusion Ga. Supreme Court ruled Thompson was the rightful Governor
H. Talmadge left the building within 2 hours
1948-Special election was held
Herman Talmadge closely defeated Melvin Thompson