1942 Wyoming gubernatorial election

The 1942 Wyoming gubernatorial election took place on November 3, 1942. Incumbent Republican Governor Nels H. Smith ran for a second term as governor. After defeating several opponents in the Republican primary, he advanced to the general election, where he was opposed by Lester C. Hunt, the Wyoming Secretary of State and the Democratic nominee. In a reversal from Smith's landslide election in 1938, Hunt narrowly defeated him in his attempt at a second term.

1942 Wyoming gubernatorial election

← 1938 November 3, 1942 1946 →

Nominee Lester C. Hunt Nels H. Smith Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 39,599 37,568 Percentage 51.32% 48.68%

County results Hunt:      50–60%      60–70% Smith:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Nels H. Smith Republican Elected Governor Lester C. Hunt Democratic

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Lester C. Hunt, Secretary of State of Wyoming
• Gus Engelking, rancher, 1938 Democratic candidate for Governor^[1]

Democratic primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Lester C. Hunt	20,255	92.56%
	Democratic	Gus Engelking	1,628	7.44%
Total votes			21,883	100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

• Nels H. Smith, incumbent Governor
• Frank Cowan, former Mayor of Casper^[3]
• John F. Raper, Sheridan attorney, 1938 Republican candidate for Governor^[4]

Republican primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Nels H. Smith (inc.)	20,580	71.41%
	Republican	Frank Cowan	5,220	18.11%
	Republican	John F. Raper	3,019	10.48%
Total votes			28,819	100.00%

Results

1942 Wyoming gubernatorial election^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Lester C. Hunt	39,599	51.32%	+11.12%
	Republican	Nels H. Smith (inc.)	37,568	48.68%	−11.12%
Majority			2,031	2.63%	−16.98%
Turnout			77,167
	Democratic gain from Republican

References

1. "Engelking Warns Against Disorganization in War". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. July 26, 1942. p. 3.
2. Christensen, Mart T. (1939). 1943 Wyoming Official Directory and 1942 Election Returns. pp. 78–83.
3. "Former Mayor J. Frank Cowan Announces Candidacy for Governor". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. May 5, 1942. p. 1.
4. "John F. Raper Announces Candidacy for Governor". Casper Star-Tribune. Casper, Wyo. June 11, 1942. p. 1.