1966 California gubernatorial election

The 1966 California gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 1966. At that time, Governor Pat Brown, who belonged to the Democratic Party, was trying to be re-elected for another term. However, he was defeated by Ronald Reagan, a Republican and future President.

This election was significant because, as of 2026, it marked the last time an incumbent governor of California lost a re-election bid. One later governor was recalled from office in 2003, but this was through a different process. The contest between Brown and Reagan captured widespread public attention and reflected broader political shifts in the United States during that era.

Background

Incumbent governor Pat Brown had been elected twice and achieved many things, like building the state highway system. After winning again in 1962 against former vice president Richard Nixon, Brown was thought to be a possible running mate for Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. But his popularity dropped because of civil disorders during the Watts riots and early student protests at the University of California, Berkeley, including the Free Speech Movement.

Democratic primary

The Democratic primary for the 1966 California gubernatorial election had several candidates. The main contender was Pat Brown, who was the current governor. Other candidates included Dale Alexander, Wallace James Duffy, Ingram W. Goad, Carlton B. Goodlett, a publisher and activist, and Samuel William Yorty, the mayor of Los Angeles.

Republican primary

The Republican primary had several candidates, including George Christopher, a former mayor of San Francisco, and Ronald Reagan, a well-known actor. During the campaign, some Republicans criticized Reagan for his conservative views. To keep the party united, a rule was made not to speak badly about fellow Republicans.

Polls showed that George Christopher was leading, but Pat Brown, the current governor, tried to help Reagan win by sharing negative information about Christopher. In the end, Reagan won the primary and went on to face Brown in the main election.

General election

Candidates

• Pat Brown, the governor since 1959, represented the Democratic Party.
• Ronald Reagan, a well-known actor, was the Republican candidate.
• Bill Busick, a restaurant owner, ran as a write-in candidate.

Campaign

Ronald Reagan, a popular actor, became the Republican nominee and gained support quickly. He focused on promises to bring order and change, especially after student protests at Berkeley. Pat Brown tried to criticize Reagan but made a big mistake when he compared Reagan to a famous actor who had done something very wrong long ago. This mistake helped Reagan gain more support.

Reagan won the election by a large margin, receiving almost a million more votes than Brown. Brown only won in three smaller areas, while Reagan's support came from many places across California.

Results

Results by county

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

• Amador
• Colusa
• Contra Costa
• Del Norte
• El Dorado
• Fresno
• Humboldt
• Kern
• Kings
• Lassen
• Los Angeles
• Madera
• Mendocino
• Merced
• Modoc
• Napa
• Nevada
• Placer
• Sacramento
• San Bernardino
• San Joaquin
• San Luis Obispo
• San Mateo
• Santa Clara
• Shasta
• Sierra
• Siskiyou
• Solano
• Stanislaus
• Tehama
• Trinity
• Tuolumne
• Ventura
• Yolo
• Yuba