1952 Montana gubernatorial election

The 1952 Montana gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1952. Incumbent Governor of Montana John W. Bonner, who was first elected governor in 1948, ran for re-election. He was unopposed in the Democratic primary and moved on to the general election, where he was opposed by J. Hugo Aronson, a State Senator and the Republican nominee. A close election ensued, with Aronson narrowly defeating Bonner to win the first of his two terms as governor.

1952 Montana gubernatorial election

November 4, 1952

Nominee J. Hugo Aronson John W. Bonner Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 134,423 129,369 Percentage 50.96% 49.04%

Governor before election John W. Bonner Democratic Elected Governor J. Hugo Aronson Republican

Democratic primary

Candidates

• John W. Bonner, incumbent Governor of Montana

Results

Democratic Party primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	John W. Bonner (incumbent)	71,597	100.00
Total votes			71,597	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• J. Hugo Aronson, State Senator
• Leonard C. Young

Results

Republican Primary results[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	J. Hugo Aronson	56,391	72.02
	Republican	Leonard C. Young	21,904	27.98
Total votes			78,295	100.00

General election

Results

Montana gubernatorial election, 1952[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±
	Republican	J. Hugo Aronson	134,423	50.96%	+7.10%
	Democratic	John W. Bonner (incumbent)	129,369	49.04%	-6.69%
Majority			5,504	1.92%	-9.96%
Turnout			263,792
	Republican gain from Democratic		Swing

References

1. "Report of the Official Canvass of the Vote Cast at the Primary Election Held in the State of Montana, July 15, 1952" (PDF). Montana Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-12-28. Retrieved July 5, 2014.
2. "Official Montana General Election Returns, November 4, 1952" (PDF). Montana Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 28, 2013. Retrieved July 5, 2014.