M. E. Thompson took office because as lieutenant governor, he was chief executive upon death of the governor.
Initially, the state congress gave the seat to Eugene Talmadge's son. The Supreme Court took the issue because of the unique circumstances of 3 people claiming the seat of governor. Once was the outgoing governor, but he quickly gave up his fight for the seat once the case moved tot he Supreme Court. The court decided the lieutenant-governor elected with Eugene Talmadge should get the seat.
