Doyle Carlton Jr., son of former Florida governor Doyle Carlton Sr. (1929-1933), was born in 1922. He grew up in Wauchula, Florida, and attended the University of Florida where he was captain of the basketball team. Afterwards, he entered the Air Force for almost three years. In 1952 he ran successfully for senate, a post he held for eight years before deciding to run for governor of Florida in 1960. He was defeated by Farris Bryant in the Democratic primaries.
From the guide to the Doyle Carlton Campaign Scrapbook, 1960, (Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida)