1970 Hawaii gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1970 United States gubernatorial elections.

1970 Hawaii gubernatorial election

November 3, 1970

Nominee John A. Burns Samuel King Party Democratic Republican Running mate George Ariyoshi Ralph Kiyosaki Popular vote 137,812 101,249 Percentage 57.6% 42.4%

County results Burns:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election John A. Burns Democratic Elected Governor John A. Burns Democratic

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.^[1]

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.^[2][3]

As of 2022^[update], 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

Democratic primary results^[4]

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

Republican primary results^[5]

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

Hawaii gubernatorial election, 1970^[1]

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

1. "HI Governor Race – Nov 03, 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
2. "HI Governor – Succession Race – Oct 14, 1973". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
3. "George Ryoichi Ariyoshi – Hawaii History – Governors". Hawaii History. Archived from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
4. "HI Governor – D Primary Race – Oct 03, 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.
5. "HI Governor – R Primary Race – Oct 03, 1970". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 16, 2013.