Though incumbent Republican Governor John Hunn was eligible to run for re-election, he declined to do so.

Instead, as the intra-party battle in the Republican Party between the Addicks and anti-Addicks factions continued, Hunn stepped aside to avoid additional conflict.

[2] On October 12, 1904, the two factions united and agreed to jointly nominate industrialist Preston Lea,[3] a favorite of the Regular Republicans.

[4] In the general election, Lea faced Chandler, the erstwhile candidate of the Regular Republicans, who refused to step aside for Lea and continued his campaign,[5] and former State Senator Caleb S. Pennewill, the Democratic nominee.

[6] Lea ended up defeating his opponents by a decisive margin, though somewhat reduced from Hunn's victory in 1900.