1954 Idaho gubernatorial election
The 1954 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on November 2. Republican nominee Robert E. Smylie defeated Democratic nominee Clark Hamilton with 54.24% of the vote.
The incumbent governor was not allowed to run for a second four-year term until 1958.
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on August 10, 1954.Democratic primary
Candidates
- Clark Hamilton, Weiser state senator
- Charles Gossett, Nampa, former governor and senator
- Cantril Nielsen, Pocatello, former county commissioner
- Joseph McNew, Boise
Republican primary
Candidates
- Robert E. Smylie, attorney general
- John Sanborn, Hagerman, former congressman
- Larry Gardner, Coeur d'Alene mayor
General election
Candidates
- Robert E. Smylie, Republican
- Clark Hamilton, Democratic