1954 Maryland gubernatorial election

The 1954 Maryland gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1954. Incumbent Republican Theodore McKeldin defeated Democratic nominee Curley Byrd with 54.46% of the vote.

1954 Maryland gubernatorial election

← 1950 November 2, 1954 1958 →

Nominee Theodore McKeldin Curley Byrd Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 381,451 319,033 Percentage 54.46% 45.54%

County results McKeldin:      50–60%      60–70% Byrd:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Theodore McKeldin Republican Elected Governor Theodore McKeldin Republican

This was the first time that a Republican was re-elected to a second consecutive term as governor of Maryland, and this would not occur again until 2018 when Larry Hogan won re-election.^[1]

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on June 28, 1954.^[2]

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Curley Byrd, former President of the University of Maryland
• George P. Mahoney, perennial candidate

Results

Democratic primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Curley Byrd	163,324	50.64
	Democratic	George P. Mahoney	159,230	49.37
Total votes			322,554	100.00

General election

Candidates

• Theodore McKeldin, Republican
• Curley Byrd, Democratic

Results

1954 Maryland gubernatorial election^[3]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Theodore McKeldin (incumbent)	381,451	54.46%
	Democratic	Curley Byrd	319,033	45.54%
Majority			62,418
Turnout			700,484
	Republican hold		Swing

References

1. Ng, Greg (November 7, 2018). "Gov. Larry Hogan makes history with re-election in Maryland". WBAL. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
2. Guide to U.S. elections - CQ Press, Congressional Quarterly, inc. CQ Press. 2005. ISBN 9781568029818. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
3. Cook, Rhodes (November 17, 2015). America Votes 31: 2013-2014, Election Returns by State - Rhodes Cook. ISBN 9781483383026. Retrieved June 28, 2019.