The 1960 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 1960. Republican candidate Elmer Andersen defeated incumbent Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) governor Orville Freeman.
Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary Freeman was renominated. This was Freeman's fifth consecutive primary win.
Candidates Nominated Orville Freeman, incumbent
Eliminated in primary Col. Belmont Tudisco, World War II veteran, painter
Results
Republican primary Elmer Andersen was nominated without opposition.
Candidates Nominated Elmer Andersen, former State senator
Results
General election Candidates Elmer Andersen, former state senator (Republican) Orville Freeman, incumbent (DFL) Rudolph Gustafson, plumber (Industrial Government)
Campaigns Freeman campaigned alongside his political ally, Senator Hubert Humphrey. Freeman ended his campaign with a tour of mining towns in the Mesabi range, however enthusiasm for his campaign was waning, with local leaders regardless of party expressing pro-Andersen sentiments to the press. Mayor Joe Jagunich of Eveleth stated that despite previous support for Freeman, big industry and Freeman were unwilling to 'go together', hurting the local economy. Andersen was able to attack Freeman's industrial and fiscal policies. Andersen cited that major companies had left the state, with job growth stunted in the hundreds compared to other states' tens of thousands of new jobs. Andersen campaigned on an expansion of the mining, timber, and tourism industries as goals.
Debates This was the second gubernatorial election in Minnesota in which debates were held. The previous one was held in 1956.
+ 1960 Minnesota gubernatorial election debates Date Host Moderator Republican DFLKey: Participant Absent Non-invitee Invitee Withdrawn Elmer Andersen Orville Freeman 1 October 9, 1960University of Minnesota Dr. Edgar Carlson
Results
See also List of Minnesota gubernatorial elections
References
External links Minnesota Historical Election Archive