1910 South Dakota gubernatorial election

The 1910 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1910. Incumbent Republican Governor Robert S. Vessey ran for re-election to a second term. He faced two serious competitors in the Republican primary: colorful disbarred attorney George W. Egan and former Governor Samuel H. Elrod, and won the primary only with a narrow plurality. In the general election, he faced Democratic nominee Chauncey L. Wood, the Mayor of Rapid City. He improved on his margin from 1908, defeating Wood in a landslide.

1910 South Dakota gubernatorial election

← 1908 November 8, 1910 1912 →

Nominee Robert S. Vessey Chauncey L. Wood Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 61,744 37,983 Percentage 58.35% 35.90%

County results Vessey:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90% Wood:      40–50%      50–60% No Vote:

Governor before election Robert S. Vessey Republican Elected Governor Robert S. Vessey Republican

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on June 7, 1910.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Chauncey L. Wood, Mayor of Rapid City^[1]

Results

Democratic primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Chauncey L. Wood	6,181	100.00%
Total votes			6,181	100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

• Robert S. Vessey, incumbent Governor
• George W. Egan, disbarred attorney^[3]
• Samuel H. Elrod, former Governor

Results

Republican primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Robert S. Vessey (inc.)	26,372	38.70%
	Republican	George W. Egan	21,446	31.47%
	Republican	Samuel H. Elrod	20,335	29.84%
Total votes			68,153	100.00%

Prohibition primary

Candidates

• O. W. Butterfield

Results

Prohibition primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Prohibition	O. W. Butterfield	687	100.00
Total votes			687	100.00

General election

Candidates

• Chauncey L. Wood, Democratic
• Robert S. Vessey, Republican
• O. W. Butterfield, Prohibition
• M. G. Opsahl, Independent

Results

1910 South Dakota gubernatorial election^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Robert S. Vessey (inc.)	61,744	58.35%	+3.01%
	Democratic	Chauncey L. Wood	37,983	35.90%	−3.50%
	Prohibition	O. W. Butterfield	4,506	4.26%	+1.15%
	Independent	M. G. Opsahl	1,579	1.49%	—
Majority			23,761	22.46%	+6.51%
Turnout			105,812	100.00%
	Republican hold		Swing

References

1. "Democratic Candidate: Chauncey L. Wood May be a Democratic Candidate for the Gubernatorial Nomination". Argus Leader. Sioux Falls, S.D. February 26, 1910. p. 2. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
2. Nelson, Nelson; Heinrich, Chad W., eds. (2005). "Chapter 8: Elections". Legislative Manual: South Dakota, 2005. Pierre, S.D. p. 631.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
3. "Man of troubles". Madison Daily Leader. Madison, S.D. April 15, 1910. p. 2. Retrieved November 8, 2020.