1948 Montana gubernatorial election

The 1948 Montana gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 1948. Incumbent Governor of Montana Sam C. Ford, who was first elected Governor in 1940 and was re-elected in 1944, ran for re-election. He won the Republican primary and advanced to the general election, where he faced John W. Bonner, the former Attorney General of Montana and the Democratic nominee. Ultimately, Bonner defeated Ford handily in his bid for re-election, winning his first and only term as governor.

1948 Montana gubernatorial election

November 2, 1948

Nominee John W. Bonner Sam C. Ford Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 124,267 97,792 Percentage 55.73% 43.86%

Governor before election Sam C. Ford Republican Elected Governor John W. Bonner Democratic

Democratic primary

Candidates

• John W. Bonner, former Attorney General of Montana
• Arthur F. Lamey, former chairman of the Montana Democratic Party
• Leif Erickson, former Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court, 1946 Democratic nominee for the United States Senate, 1944 Democratic nominee for Governor of Montana
• Vernon Hoven
• George M. Melton

Results

Democratic Party primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	John W. Bonner	29,514	37.32
	Democratic	Arthur F. Lamey	23,214	29.36
	Democratic	Leif Erickson	18,478	23.37
	Democratic	Vernon Hoven	3,990	5.05
	Democratic	George M. Melton	3,879	4.91
Total votes			79,075	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Sam C. Ford, incumbent Governor of Montana
• Leonard C. Young
• Mike Kuchera, furniture dealer

Results

Republican Primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Sam C. Ford (incumbent)	41,493	72.38
	Republican	Leonard C. Young	11,023	19.23
	Republican	Mike Kuchera	4,811	8.39
Total votes			57,327	100.00

General election

Results

Montana gubernatorial election, 1948[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	John W. Bonner	124,267	55.73%	+12.56%
	Republican	Sam C. Ford (incumbent)	97,792	43.86%	-12.50%
	Socialist	Leverne Hamilton	905	0.41%
Majority			26,475	11.87%	-1.31%
Turnout			222,964
	Democratic gain from Republican		Swing

References

1. "Report of the Official Canvass of the Vote Cast at the Primary Election Held in the State of Montana, July 20, 1948" (PDF). Montana Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-05-28. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
2. "Official Montana General Election Returns, November 2, 1948" (PDF). Montana Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 28, 2013. Retrieved July 5, 2014.