1948 South Dakota gubernatorial election

The 1948 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1948. Incumbent Republican Governor George T. Mickelson ran for re-election to a second term. He was opposed by Democrat Harold J. Volz, a businessman and the former chairman of the Tripp County Democratic Party.[1] Both Mickelson and Volz were the only candidates of their parties to file for Governor, ensuring that they won their respective nominations unopposed and removing the race from the primary ballot.[2] In the general election, Mickelson had little difficulty defeating Volz. Though Republican presidential nominee Thomas E. Dewey only narrowly won the state over President Harry S. Truman, Mickelson's popularity allowed him to win re-election in a landslide, receiving 61% of the vote to Volz's 39%.

1948 South Dakota gubernatorial election

← 1946 November 2, 1948 1950 →
 
Nominee George T. Mickelson Harold J. Volz
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 149,883 95,489
Percentage 61.08% 38.92%

County results
Mickelson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Volz:      50–60%      70–80%

Governor before election

George Theodore Mickelson
Republican

Elected Governor

George Theodore Mickelson
Republican

General election

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Results

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1948 South Dakota gubernatorial election[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican George T. Mickelson (inc.) 149,883 61.08% −6.08%
Democratic Harold J. Volz 95,489 38.92% +6.08%
Majority 54,394 22.16% −12.16%
Turnout 245,372 100.00%
Republican hold

References

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  1. ^ "Winner Man Demo Candidate For Governor". Rapid City Journal. Rapid City, S.D. April 12, 1948. p. 2. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  2. ^ "S.D. Primary Limited To Two Contests". Rapid City Journal. Rapid City, S.D. May 3, 1948. p. 1. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  3. ^ Nelson, Nelson; Heinrich, Chad W., eds. (2005). "Chapter 8: Elections". Legislative Manual: South Dakota, 2005. Pierre, S.D. p. 633.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

Bibliography

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  • Gubernatorial Elections, 1787-1997. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1998. ISBN 1-56802-396-0.