Jim Folsom

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Jim Folsom

U.S.A.

Party Democrat
Latest Campaign State Governor
Date of Birth October 9, 1908
Date of Death Nov. 21, 1987 (Age: 79)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Data
Personal Background

James Folsom Sr. began his career as an insurance salesman in the early 20th century, transitioning to military service during World War II. He gained political prominence by advocating for moderate racial integration and civil rights, serving as governor of Alabama in two non-consecutive terms. Folsom's tenure was marked by significant reforms in indigent care, unemployment compensation, and education funding. His professional background includes a deep engagement with public policy and institutional risk management, laying a foundation for his leadership in state governance.

Political Ideas

Jim Folsom's political identity is marked by an intriguing blend of progressive social reforms and unexpected alliances. He advocated for moderate racial integration and civil rights while simultaneously commuting the death sentence of James E. Wilson, revealing a complex stance on capital punishment. Folsom's legislative record shows an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, revealing a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. His rhetorical style often framed issues through a lens of regional pragmatism, masking deeper ideological calculations.

Campaigns
1982: Alabama State Governor

Election History

Alabama Governor 1982, Democrat Primary

17,333 votes (1.73%)

Loss

Winner: George McMillan, George Wallace

1978: Alabama State Governor

Election History

Alabama Governor 1978, Democrat Primary

4,632 votes (0.52%)

Loss

Winner: Bill Baxley, Fob James

1974: Alabama State Governor

Election History

Alabama Governor 1974, Democrat Primary

24,821 votes (3.00%)

Loss

Winner: George Wallace

1970: Alabama State Governor

Election History

Alabama Governor 1970, Democrat Primary

4,123 votes (0.40%)

Loss

Winner: Albert Brewer

1966: Alabama State Governor

Election History

Alabama Governor 1966, Democrat Primary

24,145 votes (2.72%)

Loss

Winner: Lurleen Wallace

1962: Alabama State Governor

Election History

Alabama Governor 1962, Democrat Primary

159,640 votes (25.05%)

Loss

Winner: Ryan DeGraffenried Sr., George Wallace

1954: Alabama State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1954 Alabama gubernatorial election

244,401 votes (73.37%)

Win
1946: Alabama State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1946 Alabama gubernatorial election

174,962 votes (88.67%)

Win