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