1918 South Dakota gubernatorial election

The 1918 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1918. Incumbent Republican Governor Peter Norbeck ran for re-election to a second term. He won the Republican primary unopposed and faced Nonpartisan League candidate Mark P. Bates, a farmer, and Democratic nominee James E. Bird in the general election. Norbeck's share of the vote decreased from 1916 to 53%, but he benefited from the split field. Bates placed second with 26% of the vote, while Bird placed third with 19% of the vote.

Primary elections
Primary elections were held on May 28, 1918.

Candidates

 * James E. Bird, businessman, 1916 Democratic nominee for Secretary of State

Candidates

 * Peter Norbeck, incumbent Governor

Candidates

 * Orville Anderson, farmer and prisoner

Candidates

 * James E. Bird, Democratic
 * Peter Norbeck, Republican
 * Orville Anderson, Socialist
 * Mark P. Bates, Independent (Nonpartisan League candidate ), stockman
 * Knute Lewis, Independent, Prohibition candidate for Governor in 1898 and 1906