1940 Rhode Island gubernatorial election

The 1940 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1940. Democratic nominee J. Howard McGrath defeated incumbent Republican William Henry Vanderbilt III with 55.84% of the vote.

1940 Rhode Island gubernatorial election

 1938
November 5, 1940
1942 
 
Nominee J. Howard McGrath William Henry Vanderbilt III
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 177,937 140,480
Percentage 55.84% 44.08%

McGrath:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Vanderbilt:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Tie:      

Governor before election

William Henry Vanderbilt III
Republican

Elected Governor

J. Howard McGrath
Democratic

General election

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Candidates

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Major party candidates

  • J. Howard McGrath, Democratic
  • William Henry Vanderbilt III, Republican

Other candidates

  • Wilfred J. Boissy, Communist

Results

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1940 Rhode Island gubernatorial election[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic J. Howard McGrath 177,937 55.84%
Republican William Henry Vanderbilt III (incumbent) 140,480 44.08%
Communist Wilfred J. Boissy 257 0.08%
Majority 37,457
Turnout
Democratic gain from Republican Swing

References

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  1. Moore, John Leo, ed. (1994). Congressional Quarterly's Guide to U.S. elections. CQ Press. ISBN 9780871879967. Retrieved April 30, 2020.