Election for the governorship of the U.S. state of South Dakota
1940 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Nominee
Harlan J. Bushfield
Lewis W. Bicknell
Party
Republican
Democratic
Popular vote
167,686
136,428
Percentage
55.14%
44.86%
County results
Bushfield: 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 80-90%
Bicknell: 50–60% 60–70%
Governor of South Dakota before election
Harlan J. Bushfield
Republican
Elected Governor of South Dakota
Harlan J. Bushfield
Republican
The 1940 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1940. Incumbent Republican Governor Harlan J. Bushfield sought re-election to a second term. After winning the Republican primary by a large margin, he faced Democrat Lewis W. Bicknell, former Day County State's Attorney, in the general election. Though Bushfield underperformed Republican presidential nominee Wendell Willkie , who won the state in a landslide , he nonetheless defeated Bicknell by a wide margin to easily win re-election.
Democratic Primary [ ]
Candidates [ ]
Lewis W. Bicknell, former Day County State's Attorney,[1] former Chairman of the State Department of Public Welfare,[2] 1932 Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate[3]
Almer O. Steensland, former State Representative from Charles Mix County [4]
Results [ ]
Republican Primary [ ]
Candidates [ ]
Harlan J. Bushfield , incumbent Governor
Adolph N. Graff, former Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota ,[6] former State Representative from Minnehaha County [7]
Results [ ]
General election [ ]
Results [ ]
References [ ]
^ "Day County Officers Will Assume Duties" . Argus Leader . Sioux Falls, S.D. January 10, 1935. p. 11. Retrieved June 13, 2021 .
^ Beckwith, J. W.; Price, Alice M. (1935). South Dakota Legislative Manual 1935 . Pierre, S.D. p. 104.
^ Hillgren, Ralph O. (January 6, 1940). "Democrats to Stage Kick-Off in 1940 Political War Monday: National Aims, State Offices Hold Interest" . Argus Leader . Sioux Falls, S.D. p. 10. Retrieved June 13, 2021 .
^ "Steensland Will Run For Governor's Post" . Argus Leader . Sioux Falls, S.D. January 6, 1940. p. 1. Retrieved June 13, 2021 .
^ a b c Nelson, Nelson; Heinrich, Chad W., eds. (2005). "Chapter 8: Elections". Legislative Manual: South Dakota, 2005 . Pierre, S.D. p. 631.
^ "Mitchell Meeting Planned To Pick Bushfield Opponent" . Rapid City Journal . Rapid City, S.D. February 10, 1940. p. 1. Retrieved June 13, 2021 .
^ "Adolph Nelson Graff" . Historical Listing . South Dakota Legislature Legislative Research Council. Retrieved June 13, 2021 .
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