1940 Idaho gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1940 United States gubernatorial elections.

1940 Idaho gubernatorial election

November 5, 1940

Nominee Chase Clark C. A. Bottolfsen Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 120,420 118,117 Percentage 50.48% 49.52%

County results Clark:      50–60%      60–70% Bottolfsen:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Governor before election C. A. Bottolfsen Republican Elected Governor Chase Clark Democratic

The 1940 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on November 5. Democratic nominee Chase Clark defeated incumbent Republican C. A. Bottolfsen with 50.48% of the vote.^[1]

The next election in 1942 was a rematch, also close, with different results.

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on August 13, 1940.^[2][3][4]

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Chase Clark, Idaho Falls mayor
• J. W. Taylor, attorney general
• James Barnes, Hansen farmer, former county commissioner

Republican primary

Candidates

• C. A. Bottolfsen, Arco, incumbent governor
• Thomas McDougall, Boise attorney

General election

Candidates

• Chase A. Clark, Democratic
• C. A. Bottolfsen, Republican

Results

1940 Idaho gubernatorial election^[5]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Chase A. Clark	120,420	50.48%
	Republican	C. A. Bottolfsen (incumbent)	118,117	49.52%
Majority			2,303
Turnout
	Democratic gain from Republican		Swing

References

1. "Idaho governor to be Democrat". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. November 7, 1940. p. 1.
2. "Thomas, Borah's successor, leading in Idaho primary". Spokesman-Review. (Spokane, Washington). Associated Press. August 14, 1940. p. 1.
3. "Ballad singer steals Idaho's political show". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. August 14, 1940. p. 1.
4. "Glen Taylor retains lead in Senate race". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. August 15, 1940. p. 1.
5. Kalb, Deborah (December 24, 2015). Guide to U.S. Elections. ISBN 9781483380353. Retrieved May 5, 2020.