1964 Illinois gubernatorial election

The 1964 Illinois gubernatorial election was held in Illinois on November 3, 1964. The Democratic nominee, incumbent Governor Otto Kerner Jr., won reelection against the Republican nominee, Charles H. Percy.

Background

The primaries and general election both coincided with those for federal offices and those for other state offices. The election was part of the 1964 Illinois elections.
In the primary election, turnout was 37.89% with 1,956,238 votes cast. In the general election, turnout was 84.15% with 4,657,500 votes cast.

Democratic primary

The Democratic primary was held on April 14, 1964. Incumbent governor Otto Kerner Jr. won without opposition.

Candidates

Otto Kerner Jr., incumbent Governor since 1961

Declined

Sargent Shriver, director of the Peace Corps and former President of the Chicago Board of Education

Sargent Shriver had considered a possible run, but opted against a campaign after President Lyndon B. Johnson asked him to remain in Washington to assist with Great Society programs.

Republican primary

The Republican primary was also held on April 14. Business executive Charles Percy won the nomination against Illinois state treasurer William Scott, and a field of minor candidates.

Candidates

Charles H. Percy, president of Bell & Howell and former advisor to Dwight D. Eisenhower and Nelson Rockefeller
Barnept J. "Barney" Neidle
William J. Scott, Treasurer of Illinois since 1963
Alfred A. Skallish

Withdrew

Charles F. Carpentier, Secretary of State
Hayes Robertson, chair of the Cook County Republican Party and candidate for governor in 1960

Campaign

Illinois secretary of state Charles F. Carpentier was originally running, but dropped-out in January after suffering a heart attack. Also originally running was Cook County Republican Party chairman Hayes Robertson, who had unsuccessfully challenged William Stratton in the 1960 Republican gubernatorial primary. Robertson also withdrew in January, throwing his support behind Scott.