The 1956 Colorado gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1956. Democratic nominee Stephen McNichols defeated Republican nominee Donald G. Brotzman with 51.34% of the vote.

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on September 11, 1956.[1]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Democratic primary results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Stephen McNichols 104,196 100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary results[1]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Donald G. Brotzman 79,638 100.00

General election

Candidates

  • Stephen McNichols, Democratic
  • Donald G. Brotzman, Republican

Results

1956 Colorado gubernatorial election[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Stephen McNichols 331,283 51.34% −2.22%
Republican Donald G. Brotzman 313,950 48.66% +2.22%
Majority 17,333 2.68%
Turnout 645,233
Democratic hold Swing

Analysis

McNichols narrowly won the election by being able to capture majority of the vote in Colorado's then two largest cities and counties: Denver and Pueblo. He also won Adams, Denver and Pueblo counties along with several rural farming counties and the coal counties of southern Colorado.[2] Meanwhile, Brotzman performed best in large farming areas as well as in several cities like Fort Collins, Boulder, and Golden. Factors like Democrats being better organized along with McNichols being a popular lieutenant governor to also popular governor Edwin Johnson helped propel him to victory.[2]

See also

References

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