Orval Faubus

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Orval Faubus portrait

Orval Faubus

U.S.A.

Party Democrat
Latest Campaign State Governor
Date of Birth January 7, 1910
Date of Death Dec. 14, 1994 (Age: 84)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Analysis
Personal Background

Orval Faubus began his career in public service as a circuit clerk and recorder for Madison County. He later served in the U.S. Army during World War II and subsequently held a position as director of the state's highway commission. His political career saw him elected as the governor of Arkansas, a position he held for six two-year terms. Throughout his tenure, Faubus was involved in significant events, such as the Little Rock Crisis, where he used the Arkansas National Guard to resist federal desegregation orders. Despite his controversial stance on civil rights, he maintained a notable political presence, running for various offices multiple times and supporting Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign.

Political Ideas

Orval Faubus's political identity is marked by a complex interplay between segregationist actions and a surprising ability to garner support from black voters. His staunch opposition to federal desegregation orders, including deploying the Arkansas National Guard to block black students from Little Rock Central High School, contrasts with his electoral success among African Americans in later years. This tension reveals a deeply localized approach to federalism, where he fiercely contested federal overreach while simultaneously navigating a racially diverse electorate. Faubus's ideological stances and rhetorical strategies compel a deeper examination into how he managed to balance these conflicting elements.

Campaigns
1964: Arkansas State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1964 Arkansas gubernatorial election

337,489 votes (57.00%)

Win

Arkansas Governor 1964, Democrat Primary

239,890 votes (65.72%)

Win
1962: Arkansas State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1962 Arkansas gubernatorial election

225,743 votes (73.27%)

Win

Arkansas Governor 1962, Democrat Primary

208,996 votes (51.59%)

Win
1960: Arkansas State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1960 Arkansas gubernatorial election

292,064 votes (69.21%)

Win

Arkansas Governor 1960, Democrat Primary

238,997 votes (58.75%)

Win
1958: Arkansas State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1958 Arkansas gubernatorial election

236,598 votes (82.47%)

Win

Arkansas Governor 1958, Democrat Primary

264,346 votes (68.86%)

Win
1956: Arkansas State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1956 Arkansas gubernatorial election

321,797 votes (80.65%)

Win

Arkansas Governor 1956, Democrat Primary

180,760 votes (58.08%)

Win
1954: Arkansas State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

1954 Arkansas gubernatorial election

208,121 votes (62.09%)

Win

Arkansas Governor 1954, Democrat Primary

109,614 votes (33.77%)

Loss

Winner: Francis Cherry

Democratic primary run-off results

191,328 votes (50.91%)

Win