1958 Idaho gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1958 United States gubernatorial elections.

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

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.

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

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

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Alfred M. Derr, Clark Fork state senator
• H. Max Hanson, Fairfield state senator
• John Glasby, Mountain Home, former state party chairman
• Omar Maine, Parma farmer

Results

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

Candidate

• Robert E. Smylie, incumbent governor (unopposed)

Results

Republican primary results ^[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Robert E. Smylie (incumbent)	41,568	100.00
Total votes			41,568	100.00

General election

Candidates

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

Results

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

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 "It's mystery why law barring self-succession not repealed".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. 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.