The 1914 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1914, in order to elect the Governor of Texas. James E. Ferguson, nominated by the Democratic Party, easily defeated his two general election opponents, E.R. Meitzen of the Socialist Party and John W. Philip of the Republican Party.[1]
In the early 20th century, Texas was a prohibitively Democratic-controlled state, making a successful in any statewide primary akin to victory.[2] Anti-prohibitionist and devout white supremacist[3] James E. Ferguson defeated Thomas Henry Ball, a supporter of prohibition who had received the endorsements of President Woodrow Wilson and William Jennings Bryan.[4][5]
Ferguson faced token opposition from two candidates, Socialist E.R. Meitzen and Republican John W. Philip, along with a scattering of nominees from minor parties. As was typical of a Deep South state in this era, Ferguson won overwhelmingly, keeping the governor's mansion in Democratic hands.[6]
