Louisiana gubernatorial election, 1952

The Louisiana gubernatorial election of 1952 was held in two rounds on January 15 and February 19, 1952. Like most Southern states between Reconstruction and the civil rights era, Louisiana's Republican Party was virtually nonexistent in terms of electoral support.

This meant that the two Democratic Party primary elections held on these dates were the real contest over who would be governor of Louisiana. The 1952 election saw the defeat of Long candidate Carlos Spaht, and the election of Robert F. Kennon as governor.

Results

First Democratic Party Primary, January 15

Candidate Votes received Percentage of votes cast
Carlos Spaht 173,987
Robert F. Kennon 163,434
Hale Boggs 142,542
James M. McLemore 116,405
William J. "Bill" Dodd 90,925
Dudley J. LeBlanc 62,906
Kermit Parker 5470
Lucille May Grace 4832
Cliff Liles 1233

Second Democratic Party Primary, February 19

Candidate Votes received Percentage of votes cast
Robert F. Kennon 482,302
Carlos Spaht 302,743
Preceded by
1948 gubernatorial election
Louisiana gubernatorial elections Succeeded by
1956 gubernatorial election

Sources

Louisiana Secretary of State. Democratic Primary Election Returns, 1952.