1969 Virginia gubernatorial election

In the 1969 Virginia gubernatorial election, incumbent Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr., a Democrat, was unable to seek re-election due to term limits. A. Linwood Holton, Jr., an attorney from Roanoke, was nominated again by the Republican Party to run against former United States Ambassador to Australia, Democratic candidate William C. Battle.

1969 Virginia gubernatorial election

November 4, 1969
 
Nominee Linwood Holton William C. Battle
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 480,869 415,695
Percentage 52.5% 45.4%

County and independent city results
Holton:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Battle:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election

Mills Godwin
Democratic

Elected Governor

Linwood Holton
Republican

The Democrats had held the governor's mansion for 84 years since 1885, and Holton's victory was considered a historic upset at the time. This was the first election in which Republicans won a gubernatorial election in the state. As of 2022, this was the most recent Virginia gubernatorial election in which a Republican won the city of Alexandria.

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