H. Guy Hunt

Harold Guy Hunt (born June 17, 1933 in Holly Pond, Alabama) is an American politician who served two terms as the Governor of Alabama from 1987 to 1993. He was the first Republican to serve as governor of the state in over a hundred years.

Prior to being elected as governor, Hunt was an ordained Primitive Baptist minister, served in the Korean War, and worked as a salesman for Amway. At the time of his election, Hunt had a high school diploma but no college education.

Hunt's election surprised many Alabamians since no living person had seen a Republican win the election for Alabama governor. The press paid little attention to the Republican gubenatorial primaries, fully expecting that the nominee would be the next loser in the general election. A particularly acrid campaign by the Democrats changed perceptions and drove voters to select "anybody else," and Hunt happened to be that alternative.

Hunt was removed from office on April 22, 1993 because of his conviction for violating state ethics laws; specifically, for using campaign and inaugural funds to pay personal debts. Democratic Lieutenant Governor James E. Folsom, Jr. assumed the office of governor the same day.