Melvin E. Thompson - After The Governorship

After The Governorship

Herman Talmadge defeated Thompson in the 1948 Democratic gubernatorial primary, and two years later he defeated Thompson in a race for a full gubernatorial term as well. In 1954 Thompson unsuccessfully sought the governorship again. Finally, the persistent Thompson ran against Talmadge in 1956 for a seat in the U.S. Senate and lost. After this defeat, Thompson never sought elective office again. He retired to the south Georgia city of Valdosta, where he became a real estate agent. He died in 1980.

Thompson's low-key personality paled in comparison with the flamboyant personalities of his contemporaries who occupied the governor's office. Unusual circumstances elevated him to the state's highest office. He never convinced the voters that they should elect him to a higher office than that of lieutenant governor.