1954 Idaho gubernatorial election
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![]() County results Smylie: 50–60% 60–70% >90 Hamilton: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80%  | |||||||||||||||||
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The 1954 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on November 2. Republican nominee Robert E. Smylie defeated Democratic nominee Clark Hamilton with 54.24% of the vote.
The incumbent governor was not allowed to run for a second four-year term until 1958.
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on August 10, 1954.[1][2][3]
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Clark Hamilton, Weiser state senator
 - Charles Gossett, Nampa, former governor and senator
 - Cantril Nielsen, Pocatello, former county commissioner
 - Joseph McNew, Boise
 
Republican primary
Candidates
- Robert E. Smylie, attorney general
 - John Sanborn, Hagerman, former congressman
 - Larry Gardner, Coeur d'Alene mayor
 
General election
| Elections in Idaho | 
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Candidates
- Robert E. Smylie, Republican
 - Clark Hamilton, Democratic
 
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Robert E. Smylie | 124,038 | 54.24% | ||
| Democratic | Clark Hamilton | 104,647 | 45.76% | ||
| Majority | 19,391 | ||||
| Turnout | 228,685 | ||||
| Republican hold | Swing | ||||
References
- ^ Aden, Tom (August 8, 1954). "Dull primary drags to close". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. p. 5.
 - ^ Aden, Tom (August 11, 1954). "Taylor, Hamilton, Smylie cling to narrow leads". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. p. 1.
 - ^ "Returns confirm polls victories of Taylor, Smylie, Hamilton". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. August 12, 1954. p. 1.
 - ^ Cook, Rhodes (November 5, 2013). America Votes 30: 2011-2012, Election Returns by State - Rhodes Cook. ISBN 9781452290171. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
 



