The 1958 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1958. The Democratic nominee, state senator Gaylord Nelson, defeated the Republican incumbent governor, Vernon W. Thomson, receiving 53.59% of the vote.
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County results Nelson: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Thomson: 50–60% 60–70% | |||||||||||||||||
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This was the first Democratic victory in a Wisconsin gubernatorial election since 1932, and only the second since 1892. As of 2022, this marks the last occasion that Vilas County has voted Democratic in a gubernatorial election.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Gaylord Nelson | 644,296 | 53.59% | ||
Republican | Vernon Wallace Thomson (incumbent) | 556,391 | 46.28% | ||
Socialist Workers | Wayne Leverenz | 1,485 | 0.12% | ||
Independent | Write-ins | 47 | 0.00% | ||
Majority | 87,905 | 7.31% | |||
Turnout | 1,202,219 | ||||
Democratic gain from Republican | Swing |