Lester Maddox surprised many Georgians during his tenure as governor primarily due to his staunchly segregationist views and his unconventional approach to politics. Elected in 1966, Maddox was known for his outspoken opposition to integration, which was particularly notable during the civil rights movement. His refusal to comply with federal desegregation mandates and his symbolic use of a restaurant to demonstrate his beliefs (he famously closed his own restaurant rather than serve Black customers) shocked many at the time.
Moreover, Maddox utilized populist rhetoric and engaged with the public in a manner that was both unusual and theatrical for a politician, often appealing to working-class whites. His administration also marked a shift in Georgia's political landscape, with attempts to align the state with a more traditional, conservative approach as opposed to the more moderate policies of previous administrations.
Despite his controversial stances, Maddox was able to galvanize a significant base of support and is remembered as a complex figure in Georgia's political history. His tenure highlighted the deep divisions in the state regarding race and civil rights, and the reactions to his governorship reflected the tension of that era.