1972 South Dakota gubernatorial election

The 1972 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972, to elect a Governor of South Dakota. It was the last election in South Dakota to elect the governor for a two-year term after a 1972 state constitutional amendment established a four-year term. Democratic nominee Richard F. Kneip was re-elected, defeating Republican nominee Carveth Thompson. Despite incumbent Republican President Richard Nixon winning The state with 62% of the vote on the same ballot.

Candidates

 * Richard F. Kneip, incumbent Governor of South Dakota

Candidates

 * Carveth Thompson, member of the South Dakota House of Representatives
 * Simon W. Chance