The 1938 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1938.
Democratic politician W. Lee O'Daniel defeated Republican nominee Alexander Boynton with 96.84% of the vote.
Nominations
Democratic primary
The Democratic primary election was won by O'Daniel by winning over 50% of the vote, and subsequently avoided a run-off.
Candidates
- S.T. Brogdon
- Carl A. Crowley
- Clarence E. Farmer
- James A. Ferguson, cousin of former Governor James E. Ferguson
- Tom F. Hunter, attorney.
- Joseph King
- Marvin P. McCoy
- William McCraw, incumbent Attorney General of Texas.
- Clarence R. Miller
- W. Lee O'Daniel, salesman and swing bandleader.
- P.D. Renfro
- Thomas Self
- Ernest O. Thompson, incumbent Railroad Commissioner
Republican nomination
The Republican state convention was held at Houston on August 9, 1938. Alexander Boynton, Houston oilman, was nominated for Governor.
General election
Candidates
- W. Lee O'Daniel, Democratic
- Alexander Boynton, Republican
- Earl E. Miller, Socialist
- Homer Brooks, Communist