1972 South Dakota gubernatorial election

1972 South Dakota gubernatorial election

November 7, 1972 (1972-11-07)

Nominee Richard F. Kneip Carveth Thompson Party Democratic Republican Running mate Bill Dougherty Popular vote 185,012 123,165 Percentage 60.0% 40.0%

County results Kneip:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Thompson:      50-60%      60-70%

Governor before election Richard F. Kneip Democratic Elected Governor Richard F. Kneip Democratic

The 1972 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972, to elect a Governor of South Dakota. It was the last election in South Dakota to elect the governor for a two-year term after a 1972 state constitutional amendment established a four-year term. Democratic nominee Richard F. Kneip was re-elected, defeating Republican nominee Carveth Thompson. Despite incumbent Republican President Richard Nixon winning The state with 62% of the vote on the same ballot.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Richard F. Kneip, incumbent Governor of South Dakota

Republican primary

Candidates

• Carveth Thompson, member of the South Dakota House of Representatives
• Simon W. Chance

Results

Republican primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Carveth Thompson	65,538	72.41
	Republican	Simon W. Chance	24,975	27.59
Total votes			90,513	100.00

General election

Results

South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1972

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Richard F. Kneip (inc.)	185,012	60.03
	Republican	Carveth Thompson	123,165	39.97
Total votes			308,177	100.00
Majority			61,847	20.06
	Democratic hold