The 1966 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 1966. Republican challenger Harold LeVander defeated Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) incumbent Karl Rolvaag.

LeVander took advantage of the weakened DFL, which was dealing with crippling factionalism.

Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary The primary election was held on September 13. The DFL held an internal election for who the party leadership would support in the primary on June 19. However, governor Rolvaag found support within his party dwindling. Rolvaag, despite support from political ally and former governor Orville Freeman, was unable to convince much of the DFL leadership of his ability, most importantly Hubert Humphrey, who had led the party's right since its founding. Amid a short list of achievements, and Rolvaag's worsening alcoholism, the DFL endorsed Alexander Keith for the nomination after a 20-ballot election. Undeterred, Rolvaag entered the DFL's primary with a cry of "Let the people decide!" Rolvaag continued his re-election campaign, and won the nomination.

Keith conceded defeat in the primary election before the full election returns were even counted, due to his massive underperformance. The primary demonstrated the collapse of the control of the party's right-wing, with Humphrey's chosen candidate defeated resoundingly.

Candidates Nominated Karl Rolvaag, incumbent

Eliminated in primary Jerome Daly, attorney and conspiracy theorist Alexander Keith, lieutenant governor Cyrus Magnusson, former state insurance commissioner John C. Peterson Col. Belmont Tudisco, World War II veteran, painter

Results

Republican primary The Republican Party held an internal race for who the party's endorsement in the primary would be. LeVander defeated Pillsbury after sixteen ballots. Pillsbury then withdrew from the race.

Candidates Nominated Harold LeVander, Macalester College professor, attorney

Eliminated in primary Lorna Tarnowski

Withdrew John Sargent Pillsbury Jr., attorney

Results

Candidates Harold LeVander, Macalester College professor, attorney (Republican) Karl Rolvaag, incumbent (DFL) Kenneth Sachs (Industrial Government)

Results

External links Minnesota Historical Election Archive

Notes

References