1940 Illinois gubernatorial elections

Before the primary, incumbent governor Henry Horner, a Democrat, opted not to seek a third term. In October, before the general election, his death in office made John Henry Stelle assume the governorship. However, Stelle had previously failed to win the Democratic nomination in the primary.

Republican Dwight H. Green won the election.

Candidates

 * Harry B. Hershey, former mayor of Taylorville
 * Albert Lagerstedt, unsuccessful candidate for Democratic nomination in 1938 United States Senate election in Illinois
 * Robert W. McKinlay
 * James O. Monroe
 * John H. Stelle, incumbent lieutenant governor of Illinois

Candidates

 * Dwight H. Green, Republican nominee for mayor of Chicago in 1939
 * Richard J. Lyons, former Illinois state representative