J. Powell Royall

John Powell Royall (June 2, 1874 – August 14, 1945) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a member of the Virginia Senate, representing the state's 3rd district from 1912 to 1920. He was selected as the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 1933 and Governor of Virginia in 1937, losing both times in the general election to former state delegate James Hubert Price.

Royall's wife, Jennie McDonald Bowen came from a prominent Southwest Virginia political family. Her paternal grandfather, Rees Tate Bowen, and uncle, Henry Bowen, both served in the United States House of Representatives.

Electoral history

Date Election Candidate Party Votes % Virginia House of Delegates, Tazewell and Buchanan Nov 3, 1903 General J. Powell Royall Republican - - William P. Payne Democratic - - District newly created following previous election Nov 7, 1905 General J. Powell Royall (inc.) Republican - - Virginia Senate, 3rd district Nov 7, 1911 General J. Powell Royall Republican - - Charles R. Brown Democratic - - Roland E. Chase did not seek reelection; seat stayed Republican Nov 2, 1915 General J. Powell Royall (inc.) Republican - - J. William Chapman Democratic - - Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Nov 7, 1933 General James H. Price (inc.) Democratic 127,135 75.73 J. Powell Royall Republican 37,770 22.50 J. Luther Kibler Socialist 2,971 1.77 Governor of Virginia Nov 2, 1937 General James H. Price Democratic 124,145 82.78 J. Powell Royall Republican 23,670 15.78 Donald Burke Communist 1,164 0.78 James A. Edgerton Prohibition 990 0.66 George C. Peery unable to seek reelection; seat stayed Democratic