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
Form of disenfranchisement used in the South until 1946
Allowed only white voters to participate in primary elections
What are Primary elections?
Primary elections are held in order to narrow the field of candidates for each party. Republican primaries choose one candidate to run and Democratic primaries choose one candidate to run.
Most Southern states were “One Party States”- Democrat
So the primary elections were basically THE election, ultimately disenfranchising African Americans.
The END of the White Primary:
1944: a group of African Americans, led by Dr. Thomas Brewer and Primus King attempted to vote in a white primary in Georgia, but were forcefully remove. They sued the state.
1945- King vs. Chapman court case was won in federal district court stating the white primary was unconstitutional and should be ended.
Many Southern States tried to evade the court’s madate

3. Ellis Arnall-#3 Governor: 1943 – 1947
Arnall defeated Eugene Talmadge, who was seeking reelection. Talmadge had just lost the accreditation of most of Georgia’s public colleges.
At 35 years old he was the youngest governor in the nation
Know for being progressive
He allowed African Americans to vote in the White Primaries, and took no action to evade the court ruling

4. Eugene Talmadge The dilemma was who would be governor…
In 1946, he won the Governor’s election for the fourth time:
Talmadge denounce Arnall as a traitor to the white race
He won 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

5. Herman Talmadge-#1
Eugene Talmadge was in poor health before the election
Many of his supporters suspected he might pass
Talmadge supporters 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

6. 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
However, the Ga. General Assembly selected Herman Talmadge as Governor in January, 1947,

7. 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

8. 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