Dalton ran unsuccessfully as Republican for Governor of Virginia in 1953 against Democrat Thomas Bahnson Stanley and Independent Howard Carwile where he garnered 45% of the vote.
Dalton ran unsuccessfully as the Republican candidate for Governor of Virginia in 1953 and 1957. In 1953, Dalton ran against Democrat Thomas Bahnson Stanley and Independent Howard Carwile, and he garnered 45% of the vote.