The 1956 Illinois gubernatorial election was held in Illinois on November 6, 1956. Incumbent Governor William Stratton, a Republican, narrowly won reelection to a second term. Stratton's narrow victory came despite the fact that the Republican ticket of Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon carried the state of Illinois in a landslide in the presidential election.
Background
The primaries and general election both coincided with those for federal offices (United States President, House, and United States Senate) and those for other state offices. The election was part of the 1956 Illinois elections.
In the primaries (held on April 10, 1960), turnout was 32.56%, with a total of 1,620,871 votes cast.
In the general election, turnout was 82.69%, with a total of 4,314,611 ballots cast.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Ran
- Herbert C. Paschen, Cook County treasurer and 1952 lieutenant gubernatorial nominee
- Morris B. Sachs, Chicago treasurer
- Declined to run
- Stephen A. Mitchell, former chair of the Democratic National Committee and candidate for 1960 gubernatorial nomination
- Sargent Shriver, president of the Chicago Board of Education
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
- Lawrence Joseph Sarsfield Daly, perennial candidate
- William Stratton, incumbent governor
- Sidney McKee Ward
- Anthony A. Polley
- Warren Wright, Illinois treasurer
Results
General election
Democratic nominee Herbert C. Paschen became embroiled in scandal related to his tenure as Cook County Treasurer. Paschen withdrew as the nominee, and was replaced by Richard B. Austin.
References
