The 1916 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1916 in order to elect the
Governor of Texas. Incumbent Democratic governor James E. "Pa" Ferguson easily won re-election to a second term, defeating his Republican challenger, Rentfro Creager.[1]
Ferguson would be impeached and removed from office on nine charges just over 9 months after his re-election in 1916. He was succeeded by Lieutenant Governor William P. Hobby.[2]
Democratic primary
In the primary, Governor Ferguson was challenged by fellow Democrat Charles H. Morris. Ferguson fended off the primary challenge, winning 57% of the vote and securing the nomination, which at the time, was seen as tantamount to victory, as Texas was a prohibitively Democratic-controlled state in the early 20th century.[3]
Ferguson faced token Republican opposition in the general election from republican nominee Rentfro Creager, and defeated him by a 68.1% margin of victory.[4]
Government