1944 Nebraska gubernatorial election

The 1944 Nebraska gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1944, and featured incumbent Governor Dwight Griswold, a Republican, defeating Democratic nominee, busboy George W. Olsen, to win a third and final two-year term in office.

1944 Nebraska gubernatorial election

November 7, 1944

Nominee Dwight Griswold George W. Olsen Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 410,136 128,760 Percentage 76.1% 23.9%

Governor before election Dwight Griswold Republican Elected Governor Dwight Griswold Republican

Democratic primary

Candidates

• P. J. Heaton, Sidney City Attorney
• George W. Olsen, busboy at Glenn L. Martin Bomber Plant cafeteria[1][2]

Results

Democratic primary results[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	George W. Olsen	20,000	50.45
	Democratic	P. J. Heaton	19,626	49.50
	Democratic	Write-in	20	0.05

Republican primary

Candidates

• William R. Brooks
• Dwight Griswold, incumbent Governor

Results

Republican primary results[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Dwight Griswold	74,359	84.79
	Republican	William R. Brooks	13,336	15.21
	Republican	Write-in	1	>0.01

General election

Results

Nebraska gubernatorial election, 1944[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Dwight Griswold	410,136	76.11%
	Democratic	George W. Olsen	128,760	23.89%
Total votes			538,896	100.0%

References

1. "G. W. Olsen makes his platform public Plattsmouth". Nebraska State Journal. April 29, 1944. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
2. Rische, Thomas (April 2, 1986). "What's in a Name? Favoritism, Prejudice". New York Times. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
3. Frank Marsh (Sr.). "Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board Primary Election April 11, 1944, General Election November 7, 1944" (PDF). Retrieved September 29, 2017.