1932 Wisconsin gubernatorial election

The 1932 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1932. Incumbent Republican Governor Philip La Follette was defeated in the Republican primary, and in the midst of the Great Depression and nationwide voter dissatisfaction with the Republican Party, Democratic nominee Albert G. Schmedeman defeated Republican nominee Walter J. Kohler Sr. and Socialist nominee Frank Metcalfe with 52.48% of the vote. Schmedeman became the first Democrat to win a gubernatorial election in Wisconsin since George Wilbur Peck in 1892. 2 years later, in 1934, La Follette would run for governor again and defeated Schmedeman, this time running with the Progressive Party.

As of 2022, this marks the last occasion that Waupaca, Shawano, and Juneau counties have voted Democratic in a gubernatorial election.

Primary elections
Primary elections were held on September 20, 1932.

Candidates

 * Leo P. Fox, Democratic nominee for Wisconsin's 6th congressional district in 1920 and for lieutenant governor in 1928
 * William B. Rubin, attorney
 * Albert G. Schmedeman, mayor of Madison and Democratic nominee for governor in 1928

Candidates

 * Walter J. Kohler, Sr., former Governor
 * Philip La Follette, incumbent Governor

Candidates

 * Frank Metcalfe, nominee for governor in 1930

Candidates

 * Adolph R. Bucknam, Prohibition nominee for U.S. Senate in 1922 and for governor in 1924 and 1928
 * William C. Dean, Prohibition nominee for governor in 1918

Candidates
Major party candidates
 * Albert G. Schmedeman, Democratic
 * Walter J. Kohler Sr., Republican

Other candidates
 * Fred B. Blair, Communist, nominee for governor in 1930
 * William C. Dean, Prohibition
 * Frank Metcalfe, Socialist
 * Joseph Ehrhardt, Socialist Labor, nominee for governor in 1928