Lieutenant Governor, 1962 Election

General

Date: November 6, 1962
Cycle: 1962
Office: Lieutenant Governor
State: Minnesota
District: Statewide
Candidate Gender Party Votes Percent Margin
Alexander (A.M., Sandy) Keith Man Democratic-Farmer-Labor 613,650 50.19 +0.38
C. Donald Peterson Man Republican 608,951 49.81

This was the first election for the office for a four-year term following the passage of a constitutional amendment in 1958 that provided for four-year terms for all state constitutional officers.

The 0.38-point margin is the most narrowly decided (stand-alone) election for Lieutenant Governor in Minnesota history. Prior to this cycle, the most competitive race was Farmer-Laborite Henry Aren's 2.33-point victory over Republican John Hougen in 1930. This was the first election for the office for a four-year term.

Keith was an attorney from Rochester and state Senator (SD 04, 1959-1963).

Peterson was an attorney from Edina, sitting state Representative (HD 36, 1959-1963), and eventual Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1967-1986).

Sources

  • State of Minnesota Legislative Manual, 1963-1964 (p. 517).