1958 Colorado gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1958 United States gubernatorial elections.

1958 Colorado gubernatorial election

November 4, 1958

Nominee Stephen McNichols Palmer Burch Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 321,165 228,643 Percentage 58.41% 41.59%

County results McNichols:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Burch:      50–60%

Governor before election Stephen McNichols Democratic Elected Governor Stephen McNichols Democratic

The 1958 Colorado gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1958. Incumbent Democrat Stephen McNichols defeated Republican nominee Palmer Burch with 58.41% of the vote.

In 1956, Colorado voters had approved Ballot Measure 1, extending the terms for state executive officers from two years to four years. Thus, McNichols became the first governor in the state history elected to a four-year term.^[1]

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on September 9, 1958.^[2]

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Stephen McNichols, incumbent Governor

Results

Democratic primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Stephen McNichols (incumbent)	82,224	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Palmer Burch, State Representative

Results

Republican primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Palmer Burch	53,279	100.00

General election

Candidates

• Stephen McNichols, Democratic
• Palmer Burch, Republican

Results

1958 Colorado gubernatorial election^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Stephen McNichols (incumbent)	321,165	58.41%	+7.07%
	Republican	Palmer Burch	228,643	41.59%	−7.07%
Majority			92,522	16.82%	+14.14%
Turnout			549,808
	Democratic hold		Swing

References

1. "Colorado Four-Year Terms for State Officials, Measure 1 (1956)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
2. "State of Colorado Abstract of Votes Cast 1958" (PDF). Secretary of State of Colorado. 1958. Retrieved January 6, 2020.