1912 South Dakota gubernatorial election

The 1912 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1912. Incumbent Republican Governor Robert S. Vessey declined to run for re-election to a third term. Lieutenant Governor Frank M. Byrne won the Republican primary to succeed Vessey, and then faced State Senator Edwin S. Johnson, the Democratic nominee, in the general election. Byrne only narrowly defeated Johnson, winning just 49% of the vote to Johnson's 46%, the closest gubernatorial election since 1898.

Primary elections
Primary elections were held on June 4, 1912.

Candidates

 * Edwin S. Johnson, former State Senator
 * P. F. Wickhem, former State Senator

Candidates

 * Frank M. Byrne, Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
 * George W. Egan, disbarred attorney, 1910 Republican candidate for Governor
 * Loomis S. Cull, Registrar of the Rapid City United States Land Office

Candidates

 * O. W. Butterfield, Prohibition candidate for Governor in 1910

Candidates

 * Samuel Lovett

Candidates

 * Edwin S. Johnson, Democratic
 * Frank M. Byrne, Republican
 * O. W. Butterfield, Prohibition
 * Samuel Lovett, Socialist