1949 New Jersey gubernatorial election

The 1949 New Jersey gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1949. Primary elections were held on April 19, 1949. Incumbent Republican Alfred E. Driscoll defeated Democratic former U.S. Representative Elmer H. Wene with 51.54% of the vote.

1949 New Jersey gubernatorial election

November 8, 1949

Nominee Alfred E. Driscoll Elmer H. Wene Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 885,882 810,022 Percentage 51.5% 47.1%

County results Driscoll:      50–60%      60–70% Wene:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Alfred E. Driscoll Republican Elected Governor Alfred E. Driscoll Republican

Under the 1947 New Jersey Constitution, Driscoll was the first Governor in state history eligible to succeed himself in a second consecutive term in a popular election. For the first time, the governor was elected to a four-year term, as opposed to three years. This is the most recent time the Republican Party won more than two consecutive gubernatorial elections in New Jersey.

Republican primary

Candidates

• Alfred E. Driscoll, incumbent Governor
• Robert L. Adams, Somerset County Freeholder

Campaign

Neither candidate led an aggressive campaign for the nomination. Driscoll reported no expenditures but accepted a few speaking engagements at key county party organization meetings in Monmouth, Essex, Union, and his native Camden County. Driscoll campaigned largely on his administration's liberal record and his support for universal health insurance, public housing, and civil rights.

Adams largely failed to raise his profile outside of Somerset and relied primarily on opposition to Driscoll within the party, as well as farmers disaffected by the Governor's suspension of retail milk price controls in January 1942. He accused Governor Driscoll of attempting to "out-deal the New Deal." His campaign spent $1,433 and his personal appearances were confined to rural north-central parts of the state.

Results

Results by county
Adams:
     50–60%
     60–70%
Driscoll:
     50–60%
     60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Republican primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Alfred E. Driscoll (incumbent)	207,144	69.51
	Republican	Robert L. Adams	90,885	30.50
Total votes			298,029	100.00

Adams's strength was primarily in rural areas, with an unexpectedly strong showing in Union County.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Elmer H. Wene, State Senator and former U.S. Representative from Cumberland County

Results

Democratic Party primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Elmer H. Wene	152,054	100.00
Total votes			152,054	100.00

General election

Candidates

• John C. Butterworth (Socialist Labor)
• Alfred E. Driscoll (Republican)
• James Imbrie (Progressive)
• Edson R. Leach (Prohibition)
• Elmer H. Wene (Democratic)

Results

New Jersey gubernatorial election, 1949

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Alfred E. Driscoll (incumbent)	885,882	51.54%	5.54
	Democratic	Elmer H. Wene	810,022	47.13%	5.71
	Progressive	James Imbrie	10,840	0.63%	N/A
	Socialist Labor	John C. Butterworth	6,515	0.38%	0.28
	Prohibition	Edson R. Leach	5,529	0.32%	0.22
Majority
Turnout
	Republican hold		Swing