1958 Nebraska gubernatorial election

The 1958 Nebraska gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1958, and featured school superintendent Ralph G. Brooks, a Democrat, narrowly defeating incumbent Republican governor Victor E. Anderson, becoming the first Democrat to win the governorship since 1938.

1958 Nebraska gubernatorial election

← 1956 November 4, 1958 1960 →

Nominee Ralph G. Brooks Victor E. Anderson Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 211,345 209,705 Percentage 50.2% 49.8%

County results Brooks:      50–60%      60–70% Anderson:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Victor E. Anderson Republican Elected Governor Ralph G. Brooks Democratic

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Ralph G. Brooks, school superintendent
• Edward A. Dosek, insurance agent from Lincoln, Nebraska^[1]

Results

Democratic primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Ralph G. Brooks	37,816	54.75
	Democratic	Edward A. Dosek	31,221	45.20
	Democratic	Write-in	32	0.05

Republican primary

Candidates

• Victor E. Anderson, incumbent governor
• Louis H. Hector

Results

Republican primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Victor E. Anderson (incumbent)	90,150	76.44
	Republican	Louis H. Hector	27,768	23.54
	Republican	Write-in	21	0.02

General election

Results

Nebraska gubernatorial election, 1958^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Ralph G. Brooks	211,345	50.19%
	Republican	Victor E. Anderson (incumbent)	209,705	49.80%
	Write-in	Others	17	>0.01%
Total votes			421,067	100.0%
	Democratic gain from Republican

See also

• 1958 Nebraska lieutenant gubernatorial election