The 1912 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1912. Incumbent Republican Governor Robert S. Vessey declined to run for re-election to a third term. Lieutenant Governor Frank M. Byrne won the Republican primary to succeed Vessey, and then faced State Senator Edwin S. Johnson, the Democratic nominee, in the general election. Byrne only narrowly defeated Johnson, winning just 49% of the vote to Johnson's 46%, the closest gubernatorial election since 1898.
Primary elections Primary elections were held on June 4, 1912.
Democratic primary Candidates Edwin S. Johnson, former State Senator P. F. Wickhem, former State Senator
Results
Republican primary Candidates Frank M. Byrne, Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota George W. Egan, disbarred attorney, 1910 Republican candidate for Governor Loomis S. Cull, Registrar of the Rapid City United States Land Office
Results
Prohibition primary Candidates O. W. Butterfield, Prohibition candidate for Governor in 1910
Results
Socialist primary Candidates Samuel Lovett
Results
General election Candidates Edwin S. Johnson, Democratic Frank M. Byrne, Republican O. W. Butterfield, Prohibition Samuel Lovett, Socialist
Results
References