1946 Wyoming gubernatorial election

The 1946 Wyoming gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1946. Incumbent Democratic Governor Lester C. Hunt ran for re-election to a second term. Former Republican Governor Nels H. Smith, whom Hunt defeated in 1942, announced that he would challenge Hunt for re-election,[1] but he was defeated the Republican primary by State Treasurer Earl Wright.[2] In the general election, even though the Republican Party had a strong performance nationwide, Wyoming Democrats did well; Hunt defeated Wright by a wider margin than his 1942 victory as Democratic U.S. Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney similarly won another term.

1946 Wyoming gubernatorial election

November 5, 1946
 
Nominee Lester C. Hunt Earl Wright
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 43,020 38,333
Percentage 52.88% 47.12%

County results
Hunt:      50–60%      60–70%
Wright:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election

Lester C. Hunt
Democratic

Elected Governor

Lester C. Hunt
Democratic

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Lester C. Hunt (inc.) 17,456 100.00%
Total votes 17,456 100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

  • Earl Wright, Wyoming State Treasurer
  • Nels H. Smith, former Governor of Wyoming

Results

Republican primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Earl Wright 15,272 58.42%
Republican Nels H. Smith 10,870 41.58%
Total votes 26,142 100.00%

Results

1946 Wyoming gubernatorial election[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Lester C. Hunt (inc.) 43,020 52.88% +1.56%
Republican Earl Wright 38,333 47.12% -1.56%
Majority 4,687 5.76% +3.13%
Turnout 81,353
Democratic hold

References

  1. "Smith Says He Will Seek Office: To Be Candidate For Governor Job". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. April 16, 1946. p. 4.
  2. "Nels Smith Concedes Defeat: Wright Builds Lead to 4,000 In Late Tally". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. July 17, 1946. p. 1.
  3. Crane, A. G. (1947). 1947 Wyoming Official Directory and 1946 Election Returns. pp. 76–77, 296–97.
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