1934 South Dakota gubernatorial election

The 1934 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1934. Incumbent Democratic Governor Tom Berry ran for re-election to a second term. After defeating an intra-party challenge from Lieutenant Governor Hans Ustrud, Berry faced magazine publisher William C. Allen, who won a crowded Republican primary with a large plurality. Aided by the national environment favoring Democrats, Berry won re-election in a landslide.

1934 South Dakota gubernatorial election

← 1932 November 6, 1934 1936 →

Nominee Tom Berry William C. Allen Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 172,228 119,477 Percentage 58.60% 40.65%

County results Berry:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Allen:      50-60%

Governor of South Dakota before election Tom Berry Democratic Elected Governor of South Dakota Tom Berry Democratic

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Tom Berry, incumbent Governor
• Hans Ustrud, Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota^[1]

Results

Democratic primary^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Tom Berry (inc.)	61,484	79.31%
	Democratic	Hans Ustrud	16,037	20.69%
Total votes			77,521	100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

• William C. Allen, publisher of the Dakota Farmer^[3]
• Otto Kaas, State Senator from Marshall County^[4]
• Daniel K. Loucks, former Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives^[5]
• Charles A. Alseth, State Representative from Kingsbury County^[6]

Results

Republican primary^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	William C. Allen	46,654	47.94%
	Republican	Otto Kaas	19,113	19.64%
	Republican	Daniel K. Loucks	17,846	18.34%
	Republican	Charles A. Alseth	13,702	14.08%
Total votes			97,315	100.00%

General election

Results

1934 South Dakota gubernatorial election^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Tom Berry (inc.)	172,228	58.60%	+2.97%
	Republican	William C. Allen	119,477	40.65%	−1.75%
	Independent	Knute Walstad	2,190	0.75%	—
Majority			52,751	17.95%	+4.72%
Turnout			293,895	100.00%
	Democratic hold

References

1. "Ustrud Enters Battle For Party Nomination As Opponent Of Berry". Argus Leader. Sioux Falls, S.D. February 27, 1934. p. 1. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
2. Nelson, Nelson; Heinrich, Chad W., eds. (2005). "Chapter 8: Elections". Legislative Manual: South Dakota, 2005. Pierre, S.D. p. 629.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
3. "W. C. Allen, Aberdeen, to Run for Republican Nomination for Governor in May 1 Race: Farm Magazine Publisher Announces Candidacy After Appeals From Friends". Argus Leader. Sioux Falls, S.D. March 23, 1934. p. 1. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
4. "Otto L. Kaas". Historical Listing. South Dakota Legislature Legislative Research Council. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
5. "Daniel K. Loucks". Historical Listing. South Dakota Legislature Legislative Research Council. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
6. "Chalres A. Alseth". Historical Listing. South Dakota Legislature Legislative Research Council. Retrieved June 13, 2021.