1940 Iowa gubernatorial election

The 1940 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1940. Incumbent Republican George A. Wilson defeated Democratic nominee John K. Valentine with 52.72% of the vote.

1940 Iowa gubernatorial election

November 7, 1940

Nominee George A. Wilson John K. Valentine Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 620,480 553,941 Percentage 52.72% 47.07%

Governor before election George A. Wilson Republican Elected Governor George A. Wilson Republican

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on June 3, 1940.[1]

Candidates

• John K. Valentine, former Lieutenant Governor
• Edward Breen, State Senator

Results

Democratic primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	John K. Valentine	70,233	57.88
	Democratic	Edward Breen	51,112	42.12
Total votes			121,345	100.00

Candidates

• George A. Wilson, incumbent Governor
• H. R. Gross, Newspaper reporter
• Irving H. Knudson, former State Senator

Results

Republican primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	George A. Wilson	165,176	49.66
	Republican	H. R. Gross	146,395	44.01
	Republican	Irving H. Knudson	21,039	6.33
Total votes			332,610	100.00

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

• George A. Wilson, Republican
• John K. Valentine, Democratic

Other candidates

• M. M. Heptonstall, Prohibition
• Charles Speck, Communist

Results

1940 Iowa gubernatorial election[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	George A. Wilson	620,480	52.72%
	Democratic	John K. Valentine	553,941	47.07%
	Prohibition	M. M. Heptonstall	1,289	0.11%
	Communist	Charles Speck	1,230	0.11%
Majority			66,539
Turnout
	Republican hold		Swing

References

1. "Summary of Official Canvass of Votes Cast in Iowa Primary Election" (PDF). Secretary of State of Iowa. 1940. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
2. "Summary of Official Canvass of Votes Cast in Iowa General Election" (PDF). Secretary of State of Iowa. 1940. Retrieved April 18, 2020.