1936 Iowa gubernatorial election

The 1936 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1936. Democratic nominee Nelson G. Kraschel narrowly defeated Republican nominee George A. Wilson with 48.56% of the vote.

1936 Iowa gubernatorial election

November 3, 1936

Nominee Nelson G. Kraschel George A. Wilson Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 524,178 521,747 Percentage 48.56% 48.33%

County results Kraschel:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Wilson:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Clyde L. Herring Democratic Elected Governor Nelson G. Kraschel Democratic

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on June 1, 1936.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Nelson G. Kraschel, incumbent Lieutenant Governor
• Richard F. Mitchell, Associate Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court

Results

Democratic primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Nelson G. Kraschel	82,791
	Democratic	Richard F. Mitchell	52,481
Total votes

Republican primary

Candidates

• George A. Wilson, former State Senator
• John M. Grimes
• George R. Call

Results

Republican primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	George A. Wilson	112,593
	Republican	John M. Grimes	92,399
	Republican	George R. Call	41,429
Total votes

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

• Nelson G. Kraschel, Democratic
• George A. Wilson, Republican

Other candidates

• Wallace M. Short, Farmer–Labor
• Ted Fitch, Prohibition
• J. P. Russell, Socialist

Results

1936 Iowa gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Nelson G. Kraschel	524,178	48.56%
	Republican	George A. Wilson	521,747	48.33%
	Farmer–Labor	Wallace M. Short	31,438	2.91%
	Prohibition	Ted Fitch	1,159	0.11%
	Socialist	J. P. Russell	970	0.09%
Majority			2,431
Turnout
	Democratic hold		Swing