Robert Vance Davidson, Texas Attorney General and former State Senator from Galveston[2]
Cone Johnson, Tyler attorney and former State Senator[3]
J. Marion Jones
William Poindexter, Cleburne judge, prohibition activist, and candidate for U.S. House in 1902 and 1904[4]
In the early 20th century, winning the Democratic primary was tantamount to election, as Texas was a solidly Democratic state. However, before 1918, the primary was conducted under a single-round, first-past-the-post system, meaning that one did not have to achieve a majority of the votes to be nominated; a plurality under 50% was sufficient.[5] Colquitt ran against three major opponents in the primary: William Poindexter, Cone Johnson, and R.V. Davidson. Colquitt finished ahead of the other candidates with 41% of the vote and a plurality, securing him the nomination and effectively, the governorship.[6]
Colquitt faced scattered opposition in the general election, and defeated his opponents with ease, winning just under 80% of the popular vote and keeping the governor's mansion in Democratic hands.[7]
Government