1956 Colorado gubernatorial election
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The 1956 Colorado gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1956. Democratic nominee Stephen McNichols defeated Republican nominee Donald G. Brotzman with 51.34% of the vote.
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November 6, 1956
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 County results McNichols: 50–60% 60–70% Brotz: 50–60% 60–70% | |||||||||||||||||
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Primary elections
Primary elections were held on September 11, 1956.[1]
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Stephen McNichols, incumbent Lieutenant Governor
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Stephen McNichols | 104,196 | 100.00 | |
Republican primary
Candidates
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Donald G. Brotzman | 79,638 | 100.00 | |
General election
Candidates
- Stephen McNichols, Democratic
- Donald G. Brotzman, Republican
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Stephen McNichols | 331,283 | 51.34% | −2.22% | |
| Republican | Donald G. Brotzman | 313,950 | 48.66% | +2.22% | |
| Majority | 17,333 | 2.68% | |||
| Turnout | 645,233 | ||||
| Democratic hold | Swing | ||||
Analysis
McNichols narrowly won the election by being able to capture majority of the vote in Colorado's then two largest cities and counties: Denver and Pueblo. He also won Adams, Denver and Pueblo counties along with several rural farming counties and the coal counties of southern Colorado.[2] Meanwhile, Brotzman performed best in large farming areas as well as in several cities like Fort Collins, Boulder, and Golden. Factors like Democrats being better organized along with McNichols being a popular lieutenant governor to also popular governor Edwin Johnson helped propel him to victory.[2]