1956 Oregon gubernatorial special election

The 1956 Oregon gubernatorial special election took place on November 6, 1956. Democratic state senator Robert D. Holmes narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Elmo Smith to win the election.

1956 Oregon gubernatorial special election

November 6, 1956

Nominee Robert D. Holmes Elmo Smith Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 369,439 361,840 Percentage 50.5% 49.5%

County results Holmes:      50–60%      60–70% Smith:      50-60%      60-70%

Governor before election Elmo Smith Republican Elected Governor Robert D. Holmes Democratic

Background

On January 31, 1956, Governor Paul L. Patterson, who was elected in the 1954 gubernatorial election, died in office of a coronary occlusion.[1] Patterson's death elevated Oregon State Senate President Elmo Smith to governor and a special election for November was called to fill the position for the final two years of Patterson's term.[2] The succession law was changed in 1972 so that the Oregon Secretary of State is first in line to succeed the governor.[3]

Election results

Oregon gubernatorial election, 1954[4]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Robert D. Holmes	369,439	50.52
	Republican	Elmo Smith	361,840	49.48
Total votes			731,279	100
	Democratic gain from Republican

References

1. "Governors of Oregon: Paul Linton Patterson". Oregon State Library. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
2. "Governors of Oregon: Elmo Smith". Oregon State Library. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
3. "Temporary governor eliminated: Measure modifies line of succession". The Bend Bulletin.
4. "OR Governor Race - Nov 06, 1954". Our Campaigns. Retrieved May 23, 2011.