The1978 Alabama gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1978, to elect thegovernor of Alabama.Fob James, a businessman who had switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party and campaigned as a "born-again Democrat", won the Democratic primary in an upset over Attorney GeneralBill Baxley. He went on to defeatGuy Hunt in a landslide in the general election. Incumbent DemocratGeorge Wallace was term limited and could not seek a third consecutive term; he later successfully ran again in 1982.
Hunt was the first Republican to winCullman County since Reconstruction.
Despite entering the race as a former Republican with low name identification and little political experience, by the time of the primary, James led Baxley, Beasley, and Brewer, who were considered the main contenders, in the polls. James placed first in the primary, followed by Baxley. Fob James then won the primary runoff against Bill Baxley.
Primary results by county James: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Baxley: 50–60% 60–70%
Alabama gubernatorial elections_(cropped).jpg)
