In the 1969 Virginia gubernatorial election, incumbent Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr., a Democrat, was unable to seek re-election due to term limits. A. Linwood Holton, Jr., an attorney from Roanoke, was nominated again by the Republican Party to run against former United States Ambassador to Australia, Democratic candidate William C. Battle.

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1969 Virginia gubernatorial election

← 1965 November 4, 1969 1973 →

Nominee Linwood Holton William C. Battle Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 480,869 415,695 Percentage 52.5% 45.4%

County and independent city results Holton:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Battle:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Mills Godwin Democratic Elected Governor Linwood Holton Republican

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The Democrats had held the governor's mansion for 84 years since 1885, and Holton's victory was considered a historic upset at the time. This was the first election in which Republicans won a gubernatorial election in the state. As of 2022^[update], this was the most recent Virginia gubernatorial election in which a Republican won the city of Alexandria.^{[original research?]}

• William C. Battle, former United States Ambassador to Australia and son of former Governor John S. Battle (D), who defeated Henry Howell and Fred G. Pollard.
• A. Linwood Holton, Jr., attorney from Roanoke (R)