Senators Ralph Yarborough and John Tower Decline Gubernatorial Run (1968)

Duration: 2:27

Year Published: 1968

Sound: sound

Description: In this segment for Houston’s KPRC-TV, newsman Ray Miller reviews developments in the 1968 Texas gubernatorial race. Senators Ralph Yarborough and John Tower were considered potential primary candidates. Statements made by both men on January 13, however, went against such speculation. At a press conference at Austin’s Commodore Perry Hotel, Yarborough officially announced his decision not to run for governor. In his address, he said, “I consider it a high duty to remain in the Senate, pushing the progressive legislation in which I believe.” Across town, Tower told reporters that a gubernatorial bid from him was possible but “very unlikely.” Tower was in Austin to attend the State Republican Executive Committee meeting at the Driskill Hotel. Miller correctly assesses that the 1968 race nevertheless saw “no real shortage of candidates,” with ten in the Democratic primary and three in the Republican. Democrat Preston Smith ultimately defeated Republican Paul Eggers in the general election.