1924 South Dakota gubernatorial election

The 1924 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1924. Incumbent Republican Governor William H. McMaster declined to run for re-election to a third term, instead opting to run for the U.S. Senate. Lieutenant Governor Carl Gunderson won the Republican primary unopposed. In the general election, he faced three prominent opponents: Democratic nominee William J. Bulow, a former State Senator and Mayor of Beresford; Farmer–Labor nominee A. L. Putnam; and perennial candidate Richard O. Richards. Gunderson. With the left-leaning vote split, Gunderson won the election in a landslide.

1924 South Dakota gubernatorial election

← 1922 November 4, 1924 1926 →
 
Nominee Carl Gunderson William J. Bulow
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 109,894 46,663
Percentage 53.88% 22.88%

 
Nominee A. L. Putnam Richard O. Richards
Party Farmer–Labor Independent
Popular vote 27,027 20,259
Percentage 13.25% 9.98%

County results
Gunderson:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%
     60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Bulow:      40–50%      60–70%
Putnam:      40–50%

Governor of South Dakota before election

William H. McMaster
Republican

Elected Governor of South Dakota

Carl Gunderson
Republican

Primary elections

edit

Democratic primary

edit

Candidates

edit

Results

edit
Democratic primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Andrew S. Anderson 7,437 73.01%
Democratic Eric J. Ellefson 2,749 26.99%
Total votes 10,186 100.00%

On August 11, 1924, Anderson was killed by a bull on his farm.[4] The South Dakota Democratic Party's central committee met to select a replacement for Anderson on August 20, 1924. However, few candidates wanted to accept the nomination. State Senator John B. Johnson declined to be a candidate, though the committee viewed him as their preferred candidate. Ultimately, William J. Bulow—a former State Senator, Union County Judge, and Mayor of Beresford—was selected by the committee as its replacement nominee.[5]

Republican primary

edit

Lieutenant Governor Carl Gunderson was the only Republican candidate to file for Governor, removing the race from the primary election ballot.[3]

Farmer–Labor primary

edit

Candidates

edit

Results

edit
Farmer–Labor primary[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Farmer–Labor A. L. Putnam 2,973 70.92%
Farmer–Labor Eric J. Ellefson 1,219 29.08%
Total votes 4,192 100.00%

General election

edit

Results

edit
1924 South Dakota gubernatorial election[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Carl Gunderson 109,894 53.88% +8.86%
Democratic William J. Bulow 46,663 22.88% −5.85%
Farmer–Labor A. L. Putnam 27,027 13.25%
Independent Richard O. Richards 20,359 9.98%
Majority 63,231 31.00% +14.72%
Turnout 203,943 100.00%
Republican hold

References

edit
  1. ^ "Andrew S. Anderson". Historical Listing. South Dakota Legislature Legislative Research Council. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Andrew S. Anderson". Historical Listing. South Dakota Legislature Legislative Research Council. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d Nelson, Nelson; Heinrich, Chad W., eds. (2005). "Chapter 8: Elections". Legislative Manual: South Dakota, 2005. Pierre, S.D. p. 624.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. ^ "Demo Governor Aspirant Gored by Bull Today: Andrew S. Anderson, of Beresford, Killed on Farm; Was Slated to Oppose Gunderson for Gubernatorial Chair This Fall". Lead Daily Call. Lead, S.D. August 11, 1924. p. 1. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  5. ^ "Democrats Select Bulow to Run Against Gunderson in Fall Race For Governor of State: Union County Man Chosen by Huron Meeting". Argus Leader. Sioux Falls, S.D. August 21, 1924. p. 2. Retrieved June 12, 2021.