1942 Wyoming gubernatorial election

The 1942 Wyoming gubernatorial election took place on November 3, 1942. Incumbent Republican Governor Nels H. Smith ran for a second term as governor. After defeating several opponents in the Republican primary, he advanced to the general election, where he was opposed by Lester C. Hunt, the Wyoming Secretary of State and the Democratic nominee. In a reversal from Smith's landslide election in 1938, Hunt narrowly defeated him in his attempt at a second term.

1942 Wyoming gubernatorial election

← 1938 November 3, 1942 1946 →
 
Nominee Lester C. Hunt Nels H. Smith
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 39,599 37,568
Percentage 51.32% 48.68%

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

Governor before election

Nels H. Smith
Republican

Elected Governor

Lester C. Hunt
Democratic

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Democratic primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Lester C. Hunt 20,255 92.56%
Democratic Gus Engelking 1,628 7.44%
Total votes 21,883 100.00%

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Republican primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Nels H. Smith (inc.) 20,580 71.41%
Republican Frank Cowan 5,220 18.11%
Republican John F. Raper 3,019 10.48%
Total votes 28,819 100.00%

Results

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1942 Wyoming gubernatorial election[2]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Lester C. Hunt 39,599 51.32% +11.12%
Republican Nels H. Smith (inc.) 37,568 48.68% −11.12%
Majority 2,031 2.63% −16.98%
Turnout 77,167
Democratic gain from Republican

References

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  1. ^ "Engelking Warns Against Disorganization in War". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. July 26, 1942. p. 3.
  2. ^ a b c Christensen, Mart T. (1939). 1943 Wyoming Official Directory and 1942 Election Returns. pp. 78–83.
  3. ^ "Former Mayor J. Frank Cowan Announces Candidacy for Governor". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. May 5, 1942. p. 1.
  4. ^ "John F. Raper Announces Candidacy for Governor". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. June 11, 1942. p. 1.