1970 South Dakota gubernatorial election
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The 1970 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1970. Primary elections were held on June 2, 1970. Incumbent Republican Governor Frank Farrar was defeated by Democratic nominee Richard F. Kneip who won 54.85% of the vote.
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November 3, 1970
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 County results Kneip: 50–60% 60–70% Farrar: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% | |||||||||||||||||
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This is the last time that an incumbent governor of South Dakota lost re-election.
Primaries
Democratic primary
Candidates
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Richard F. Kneip | unopposed | ||
Republican primary
Candidates
- Frank Farrar, incumbent Governor
- Frank E. Henderson, State Senator
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Frank Farrar (incumbent) | 48,520 | 58.17 | |
| Republican | Frank E. Henderson | 34,893 | 41.83 | |
| Total votes | 83,413 | 100.00 | ||
General election
Candidates
- Frank Farrar, Republican
- Richard F. Kneip, Democratic
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Richard F. Kneip | 131,616 | 54.85% | ||
| Republican | Frank Farrar (incumbent) | 108,347 | 45.15% | ||
| Majority | 23,269 | 9.70% | |||
| Turnout | 239,963 | 100.00% | |||
| Democratic gain from Republican | Swing | ||||