The 1962 Oklahoma gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1962, and was a race for Governor of Oklahoma. RepublicanHenry Bellmon defeated Democrat W. P. Bill Atkinson and Independent L. Richard Zavitz to become the first Republican governor of Oklahoma.[1] Former governor Raymond D. Gary, lieutenant governor George Nigh, state senator Fred R. Harris, and State Treasurer William A. Burkhart unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination.