Kentucky gubernatorial election, 1991

Kentucky gubernatorial election, 1991

November 5, 1991

Nominee Brereton Jones Larry J. Hopkins Party Democratic Republican Running mate Paul E. Patton Popular vote 540,468 294,452 Percentage 64.73% 35.27%

Governor before election Wallace G. Wilkinson Democratic Elected Governor Brereton Jones Democratic

The 1991 Kentucky gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1991. Incumbent Governor Wallace G. Wilkinson was not eligible to seek a second term due to term limits established by the Kentucky Constitution, creating an open seat. At the time, Kentucky was one of two states, along with Virginia, which prohibited its governors from serving immediate successive terms. The Democratic nominee, Lieutenant Governor Brereton Jones, defeated Republican nominee and U.S. Congressman Larry J. Hopkins to win a term as governor.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Brereton Jones, Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky
• Scotty Baesler, Mayor of Lexington
• Floyd G. Poore, physician
• Gatewood Galbraith, perennial candidate

Results

Democratic primary results
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Brereton C. Jones	184,703	37.55
	Democratic	Scott Baesler	149,352	30.36
	Democratic	Floyd G. Poore	132,060	26.84
	Democratic	Gatewood Galbraith	25,834	5.25
Total votes			491,949	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Larry J. Hopkins, U.S. Representative
• Larry Forgy, counsel to Governor Louie B. Nunn

Results

Republican primary results
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Larry J. Hopkins	81,526	50.60
	Republican	Larry Forgy	79,581	49.40
Total votes			161,107	100.00

General election

Results

Kentucky gubernatorial election, 1991

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Brereton C. Jones	540,468	64.73%	-8.77%
	Republican	Larry J. Hopkins	294,452	35.27%	+8.82%
Majority			246,016	29.47%	-17.59%
Turnout			834,920
	Democratic hold		Swing