1946 Wyoming gubernatorial election

The 1946 Wyoming gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1946. Incumbent Democratic Governor Lester C. Hunt ran for re-election to a second term. Former Republican Governor Nels H. Smith, whom Hunt defeated in 1942, announced that he would challenge Hunt for re-election, but he was defeated the Republican primary by State Treasurer Earl Wright. In the general election, even though the Republican Party had a strong performance nationwide, Wyoming Democrats did well; Hunt defeated Wright by a wider margin than his 1942 victory as Democratic U.S. Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney similarly won another term.

1946 Wyoming gubernatorial election

November 5, 1946

Nominee Lester C. Hunt Earl Wright Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 43,020 38,333 Percentage 52.88% 47.12%

County results Hunt:      50–60%      60–70% Wright:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Lester C. Hunt Democratic Elected Governor Lester C. Hunt Democratic

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Lester C. Hunt, incumbent Governor

Results

Democratic primary

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Lester C. Hunt (inc.)	17,456	100.00%
Total votes			17,456	100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

• Earl Wright, Wyoming State Treasurer
• Nels H. Smith, former Governor of Wyoming

Results

Republican primary

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Earl Wright	15,272	58.42%
	Republican	Nels H. Smith	10,870	41.58%
Total votes			26,142	100.00%

Results

1946 Wyoming gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Lester C. Hunt (inc.)	43,020	52.88%	+1.56%
	Republican	Earl Wright	38,333	47.12%	−1.56%
Majority			4,687	5.76%	+3.13%
Turnout			81,353
	Democratic hold