The 1918 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1918. Incumbent Republican Governor Peter Norbeck ran for re-election to a second term. He won the Republican primary unopposed and faced Nonpartisan League candidate Mark P. Bates, a farmer, and Democratic nominee James E. Bird in the general election. Norbeck's share of the vote decreased from 1916 to 53%, but he benefited from the split field. Bates placed second with 26% of the vote, while Bird placed third with 19% of the vote.
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on May 28, 1918.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- James E. Bird, businessman, 1916 Democratic nominee for Secretary of State
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- Peter Norbeck, incumbent Governor
Results
Socialist primary
Candidates
- Orville Anderson, farmer and prisoner
Results
General election
Candidates
- James E. Bird, Democratic
- Peter Norbeck, Republican
- Orville Anderson, Socialist
- Mark P. Bates, Independent (Nonpartisan League candidate), stockman
- Knute Lewis, Independent, Prohibition candidate for Governor in 1898 and 1906
Results
References
Bibliography
- Gubernatorial Elections, 1787-1997. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1998. ISBN 1-56802-396-0.
