The Democratic primary election was held on July 25, 1942. By winning over 50% of the vote, Stevenson avoided a run-off which would have been held on August 22, 1942.
The Republican state convention was held at San Angelo on August 10 and 11, 1942.[9][10] Caswell Kelliston "C.K." McDowell, a former county judge of Val Verde County[11] and longtime Republican activist in the state[12] was nominated for Governor.[13]