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.
Democratic primary
Candidates Stephen McNichols, incumbent Lieutenant Governor
Results
Republican primary
Candidates Donald G. Brotzman, State Senator
Results
General election
Candidates Stephen McNichols, Democratic Donald G. Brotzman, Republican
Results
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. 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.
See also
1956 United States Senate election in Colorado
References