Texas Regulars

The Texas Regulars was a group based in Texas which was formed in 1944 to deny Franklin D. Roosevelt a majority of the Electoral College in the 1944 presidential election.

Related Topics:
Texas - 1944 - Franklin D. Roosevelt - Electoral College - 1944 presidential election

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By the 1940s, Conservative Texas Democrats were irritated with Roosevelt and his New Deal and they were also unhappy about the Supreme Court striking down the segregated primary in the Smith v. Allwright decision. They planned to gain control of the nominating convention and select a slate of electors who would not vote for Roosevelt. Texas Regulars supporters included Congressman Martin Dies Jr., former Texas governor Dan Moody, and Senator "Pappy" O'Daniel.

Related Topics:
1940s - Democrats - New Deal - Smith v. Allwright - Martin Dies Jr. - Dan Moody - "Pappy" O'Daniel

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They won the first convention, but they then lost the second convention. This led them to form their own ticket which did not field a candidate. On election day, they finished third, with 135,439 votes (11.8% of the vote). They only won a majority in Washington County, Texas, falling short of their goal as Roosevelt won Texas and the election.

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The Texas Regulars disbanded soon afterwards, but many of them went on to support the Dixiecrat candidacy of Strom Thurmond in 1948.

Related Topics:
Dixiecrat - Strom Thurmond - 1948

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