1958 Idaho gubernatorial election

The 1958 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on November 4. Incumbent Republican Robert E. Smylie defeated Democratic nominee Alfred M. Derr with 50.96% of the vote.

1958 Idaho gubernatorial election

← 1954 November 4, 1958 1962 →
 
Nominee Robert E. Smylie Alfred M. Derr
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 121,810 117,236
Percentage 50.96% 49.04%

County results
Smylie:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Derr:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Governor before election

Robert E. Smylie
Republican

Elected Governor

Robert E. Smylie
Republican

Since changing to four-year term for governor beginning with the 1946 election, this was the first time the incumbent was permitted to run for re-election, due to a change in the state's constitution, approved by voters in November 1956.[1][2] The last incumbent to be re-elected was C. Ben Ross, who won a third two-year term in 1934.

Primary elections

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Primary elections were held on August 12, 1958.[3][4][5][6][7]

Democratic primary

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Candidates

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Results

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Democratic primary results[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Alfred M. Derr 25,599
Democratic H. Max Hanson 25,477
Democratic John Glasby 21,207
Democratic Omar Maine 1,929
Total votes 48,613 100.00

Republican primary

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Candidate

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Results

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Republican primary results[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Robert E. Smylie (incumbent) 41,568 100.00
Total votes 41,568 100.00

General election

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Candidates

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  • Robert E. Smylie, Republican
  • Alfred M. Derr, Democratic

Results

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1958 Idaho gubernatorial election[8]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Robert E. Smylie (incumbent) 121,810 50.96%
Democratic Alfred M. Derr 117,236 49.04%
Majority 4,574
Turnout 239,046
Republican hold Swing

References

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  1. ^ "Idaho voters adopt three amendments". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. November 7, 1956. p. 1.
  2. ^ Corlett, John (March 31, 1963). "It's mystery why law barring self-succession not repealed". Lewiston Morning Tribune. p. 5.
  3. ^ a b c Guide to U.S. elections - CQ Press, Congressional Quarterly, inc. CQ Press. 2005. ISBN 9781568029818. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  4. ^ "Answers to tax problem, state's future claimed by gubernatorial hopefuls". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. August 10, 1958. p. 1.
  5. ^ "Tuesday's voting may settle question of legalized casinos". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. August 10, 1958. p. 2.
  6. ^ "Derr takes 347-vote lead in governor race". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. August 13, 1958. p. 1.
  7. ^ "Derr still ahead but won't claim victory". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. August 14, 1958. p. 1.
  8. ^ Cook, Rhodes (November 5, 2013). America Votes 30: 2011-2012, Election Returns by State - Rhodes Cook. ISBN 9781452290171. Retrieved April 20, 2019.