1920 Montana gubernatorial election
← 1916 November 2, 1920 1924 →
Turnout68.50%[1]
 
Nominee Joseph M. Dixon Burton K. Wheeler
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 111,113 74,875
Percentage 59.74% 40.26%
County results
Dixon:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Wheeler:      50–60%      60–70%
Governor before election

Sam V. Stewart
Democratic

Elected Governor

Joseph M. Dixon
Republican

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The 1920 Montana gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 1920. Incumbent Governor of Montana Sam V. Stewart, who was first elected Governor in 1912 and 1916, declined to run for re-election. To replace him, former United States Senator Joseph M. Dixon won the Republican primary, which was closely contested. In the general election, he faced Burton K. Wheeler, the former United States Attorney for the District of Montana and the Democratic nominee. Ultimately, Dixon defeated Wheeler by a wide margin to win his first and only term as governor.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Democratic Party primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Burton K. Wheeler 35,228 61.33
Democratic W. W. McDowell 17,798 30.98
Democratic Thomas E. Cary 4,418 7.69
Total votes 57,444 100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

Republican Primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Joseph M. Dixon 18,718 35.41
Republican Henry L. Wilson 15,765 29.82
Republican Sam C. Ford 12,271 23.21
Republican Robert Lee Clinton 2,604 4.93
Republican Daniel W. Slayton 2,029 3.84
Republican Ronald Higgins 1,481 2.80
Total votes 52,868 100.00

General election

Results

Montana gubernatorial election, 1920[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Joseph M. Dixon 111,113 59.74% +15.64%
Democratic Burton K. Wheeler 74,875 40.26% -9.11%
Majority 36,238 19.48% +14.22%
Turnout 185,988
Republican gain from Democratic Swing

References

  1. ^ "Montana Voter Turnout". Montana Secretary of State. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "The 1920 Elections" (PDF). Montana Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 27, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  3. ^ "Official Vote of the State of Montana at the General Election Held November 2, 1920". Montana Secretary of State. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
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