The 1960 North Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1960. Democratic nominee Terry Sanford defeated Republican nominee Robert L. Gavin with 54.45% of the vote.

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1960 North Carolina gubernatorial election

← 1956 November 8, 1960 1964 →

Nominee Terry Sanford Robert L. Gavin Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 735,248 613,975 Percentage 54.45% 45.47%

County results Sanford:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Gavin:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Governor before election Luther H. Hodges Democratic Elected Governor Terry Sanford Democratic

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By 1960, many of the North Carolina's leading Democratic politicians from the previous two decades were dead. The incumbent governor, Luther H. Hodges did not have a strong political organization and was retiring from politics.^[1]

John Davis Larkins Jr. was the first Democrat to declare his candidacy, announcing his bid on January 20, 1960.^[2]

Primary elections were held on May 28, 1960.^[3]