The 1971 Kentucky gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1971. Incumbent RepublicanLouie B. Nunn, was ineligible for a second term due to term limits, a rule that was later repealed in 1992.[1]
In the general election, Ford and Emberton were joined by former Governor A. B. "Happy" Chandler, running as an Independent, as well as American Party candidate William Smith. The Republicans had hoped that Chandler would help Emberton's chances, but Ford eventually won the general election.[3]
Democratic primary
Kentucky Democratic Party primary, May 25, 1971 [4]