1946 Colorado gubernatorial election

The 1946 Colorado gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1946. Democratic nominee William Lee Knous defeated Republican nominee Leon Lavington with 52.11% of the vote, becoming the first Democrat to win the governorship since 1936.

1946 Colorado gubernatorial election

← 1944November 5, 19461948 →
 
NomineeWilliam Lee KnousLeon Lavington
PartyDemocraticRepublican
Popular vote174,604160,483
Percentage52.11%47.89%

County results
Knous:      50–60%      60–70%
Lavington:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

Governor before election

John Charles Vivian
Republican

Elected Governor

William Lee Knous
Democratic

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on September 10, 1946.[1]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Democratic primary results[1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
DemocraticWilliam Lee Knous 45,104 100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary results[1]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanLeon Lavington 39,646 100.00

General election

Candidates

  • William Lee Knous, Democratic
  • Leon Lavington, Republican

Results

1946 Colorado gubernatorial election[1]
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
DemocraticWilliam Lee Knous 174,604 52.11% +4.51%
RepublicanLeon Lavington160,48347.89%-4.51%
Majority14,1214.22%
Turnout335,087
Democratic gain from RepublicanSwing

References