The 1950 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 7, 1950. Republican incumbent Luther Youngdahl defeated Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party challenger Harry H. Peterson. Youngdahl secured a third term in office.
Republican primary Youngdahl was renominated.
Candidates
Nominated Luther Youngdahl, incumbent
Eliminated in primary Arthur B. Gilbert, president of the Recovery League of Minnesota John Haluska, hotel clerk Walter G. Olson, golf course manager August Scramstad, railroad tower worker
Results
Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary Peterson was nominated, defeating 1948 nominee Charles Halsted. Halsted, a member of the party's right wing, accused Peterson of being a communist. Peterson's campaign dispelled the accusations by pointing out that former governor Floyd Olson was also accused of communism, and that the actual Communist Party had denounced Peterson as "capitalistic". Following his defeat in the primary, Halsted endorsed Peterson.
Candidates
Nominated Harry H. Peterson, former Minnesota attorney general and judge on the Minnesota Supreme Court
Eliminated in primary James Dougherty, switchman Charles Halsted, former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives Hjalmar Petersen, former governor August Peterson, ironworker Joseph A. Ryan
Results
Candidates Vernon Campbell, beauty shop proprietor (Industrial Government) Harry H. Peterson, former Minnesota attorney general and judge on the Minnesota Supreme Court (DFL) Luther Youngdahl, incumbent (Republican)
Campaigns Youngdahl received support from the presidents of Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Olaf College, Carleton College, Hamline University, Augsburg College, and Macalester College.
Youngdahl expanded his ongoing campaign against gambling in the state. His administration had already enacted strict regulations on gambling. He believed that continuing his campaign against gambling would succeed in curbing the organized crime which he claimed relied on it for income.
Peterson attempted to appeal to the labor vote, including small business owners, and members of cooperatives. He claimed that Republicans were fiscally irresponsible, and that taxes were unfairly placed on the individual while lifted on businesses.
Peterson intended to expand the tourism industry in Minnesota. He felt that Minnesota was falling behind Wisconsin an Michigan and not properly capitalizing on potential tourists from the Great Plains.
On October 17, 1950, the St. Paul League of Women Voters organized a shared event attended by Peterson and Youngdahl. Each candidate had the opportunity to give a 15-minute speech, and to take questions from the audience.
Polling This was the third gubernatorial election in Minnesota in which a straw poll was conducted. The previous one was conducted in 1934. The poll predicted a nearly tied election, with 11,003 straw votes for Peterson and 11,005 straw votes for Youngdahl.
Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error HarryPeterson (DFL) LutherYoungdahl (R)Jack Lyon's Annual Straw Ballot August 30 – September 1, 1950 22,008 – 49.995% 50.005%
Results
See also List of Minnesota gubernatorial elections
References
External links Minnesota Historical Election Archive