1912 Minnesota gubernatorial election

In 1909, then-Lieutenant Governor Adolph Eberhart ascended to the governorship after the death of Democratic Governor John A. Johnson. Eberhart entered office during a time of political upheaval in Minnesota.

The Democrats had not won the governorship in Minnesota from 1860 until nearly 1900 when John Lind was elected Governor in 1898 in a union ticket with the People's Party. Since then, Democrats had been able to consolidate significant third-party movements in Minnesota and had won the governorship in 1904, 1906, and 1908 under Governor John A. Johnson whose reforms had won him bipartisan appeal. He was compared to Abraham Lincoln and was hailed as an "idol of the people."{{Cite news|date=21 September 1909|title=State's Executive Succumbs|work=The Minneapolis Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016771/1909-09-21/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=29 September 2020}}

However, Democrats had not successfully consolidated all third parties in Minnesota. The Prohibition Party, formerly allied with the Republicans, was gaining strength in the run up to the passage of the 18th Amendment. Additionally, a Socialist Party popular with Scandinavian immigrants had sprung up on the Iron Range under the name of the Public Ownership Party.{{Cite news|date=30 September 1912|title=Socialists Vote Large|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-09-30/ed-1/seq-11|access-date=29 September 2020}}

Not only were Republicans contending with a newly strong Democratic Party and insurgent third parties, but also with a significant rebellion from their own voters. Just as such a rift had festered in the presidential election, the divide between progressive Republicans and reactionary Republicans grew to a fever pitch in Minnesota. Progressive Republicans held that reactionary Republicans (like Governor Eberhart) had been using their political machine to hold up popular reforms of the day, like referendums, recall elections, and railroad regulations.{{Cite news|date=14 September 1912|title=Last Stand of Machine|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-09-14/ed-1/seq-7|access-date=29 September 2020}}

All these factors were amplified by the fact that this was Minnesota's first ever statewide primary in 1912.

File:At the Ol' Swimmin' Hole.png on July 28, depicting Governor Eberhart running off with Gordon and Young's clothes]]

Early in 1912, it was speculated that incumbent Senator Knute Nelson would not be running for a third term under a new Minnesota law that provided for the direct election of United States Senators. Governor Eberhart reportedly dashed his plans of running for reelection and was planning on running for Nelson's seat.{{Cite news|date=1 January 1912|title=News and Views of Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-01-01/ed-1/seq-3|access-date=29 September 2020}} Days later, however, Eberhart announced his plans to run for reelection on January 12 after Nelson announced his run for the Senate.{{Cite news|date=13 January 1912|title=Gov. Eberhart Announces Candidacy for Re-election|work=The Minneapolis Morning Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016772/1912-01-13/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=29 September 2020}}

Three days later, former Speaker of the Minnesota House William E. Lee and Lieutenant Governor Sam Y. Gordon threw their hats in the ring.{{Cite news|date=15 January 1912|title=Gordon Announces Candidacy and Hurls Bombs at Interests; Lee Also Enters the Contest|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-01-15/ed-1/seq-6|access-date=29 September 2020}} At an event in Browns Valley, Gordon characterized his run for governor "as a challenge of the right of... [business] interests to dominate public affairs, and to dictate party policies."

In early February, Lewis C. Spooner, a more traditional Republican, was reportedly encouraging Edwin H. Canfield, a former state senator from Luverne, to run for governor and take votes from Eberhart. Canfield declined, which forced Spooner into the race by April.{{Cite news|date=6 February 1912|title=Behind the Political Scenes|work=The Redwood Gazette|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn85025570/1912-02-06/ed-1/seq-2|access-date=29 September 2020}}{{Cite news|last=Warming|first=L. A.|date=11 April 1912|title=Editorials|work=St. Charles Union|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn90060792/1912-04-11/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=30 September 2020}}

Starting in May, non-binding Republican county conventions showed deep distaste for the incumbent governor. At the first convention in Kandiyohi County, Eberhart did not carry a single precinct.{{Cite news|date=15 May 1912|title=Kandiyohi is for Lee|work=Willmar Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn89081022/1912-05-15/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=30 September 2020}}

After the passage of the bill calling for Minnesota's first statewide primary, Edward Young, of Appleton, announced his candidacy for the governorship in late June.{{Cite news|date=28 June 1912|title=-|work=The Republican Press|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn89064879/1912-06-28/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=30 September 2020}} In early July, a political newcomer by the name of Martin Falk jumped into the race. He was considered so obscure that the Duluth Herald remarked that he would "very likely never be Governor of Minnesota."

By late July, a rift had formed between the serious candidates. After the contentious 1912 Republican National Convention, Gordon announced that he would not support William Howard Taft's candidacy and would support Teddy Roosevelt's bid instead. Eberhart and Spooner vowed to support the party's choice of Taft. This, coupled with the announcement that the primary would be ranked-choice, inspired Eberhart's campaign to publish a paper denouncing Lee, Gordon, and Young, but leaving critiques of Spooner out, thus offering Spooner a tacit endorsement for second choice.{{Cite news|date=22 July 1912|title=Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-07-22/ed-1/seq-9|access-date=30 September 2020}} Later, Young announced that he would support Democrat Woodrow Wilson in the presidential election.{{Cite news|date=23 July 1912|title=Three Factions in G.O.P. Ranks|work=The Redwood Gazette|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn85025570/1912-07-23/ed-1/seq-7|access-date=30 September 2020}}

The 1912 harvest season was especially strong in Minnesota, which left farmers too busy to attend political rallies. The candidates all abandoned their speaking tours for weeks during August as no one could rally enough support to fill a hall. One farmer remarked "My wheat means more to me than who is going to be elected."{{Cite news|date=16 August 1912|title=Promises to be Quietest Ever|work=Morris Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn91059394/1912-08-16/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=30 September 2020}}

In late August, as the primary date approached, progressive Republicans worried that their candidates were splitting the anti-Eberhart vote. They had hoped the second-choice provision on ballots would save them, but voters were increasingly skeptical of the option. Notably, Gordon's campaign manager quit and Gordon nearly dropped out.{{Cite news|date=28 August 1912|title=Would Select Strongest Man|work=Mower County Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn85025431/1912-08-28/ed-1/seq-5|access-date=30 September 2020}}

The final days of the campaign were marked with controversy over the second-choice provision and endorsements from various groups and politicians. The Duluth Herald proclaimed the coming primary to be the "Last Stand of [the] Republican Machine."

• Adolph Olson Eberhart, incumbent Governor of Minnesota, former Lieutenant Governor and State Senator

• William E. Lee, former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives
• Edward T. Young, former Minnesota Attorney General, State Senator, State Representative, Appleton City Attorney, and Appleton City Councilor
• Lewis C. Spooner, State Representative{{Cite web|title=Spooner, Lewis C. - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present|url=https://www.leg.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?ID=14899|access-date=2020-09-29|website=www.leg.mn.gov}}
• Samuel Y. Gordon, incumbent Lieutenant Governor
• Martin F. Falk{{Cite news|date=9 July 1912|title='Who is Martin Falk?'|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-07-09/ed-1/seq-6|access-date=29 September 2020}}

• Edgar Weaver, County Auditor of Blue Earth County

• Samuel Lord, member of Minnesota Board of Taxation{{Cite news|date=8 January 1912|title=News and Views of Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-01-08/ed-1/seq-5|access-date=29 September 2020}}
• Edwin H. Canfield, former State Senator
• Ripley B. Brower, former State Senator
• Samuel G. Iverson, State Auditor{{Cite news|date=29 June 1912|title=Political Gossip from the Capital|work=The Aitkin Independent|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn91059398/1912-06-29/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=30 September 2020}}
• Robert C. Dunn, State Representative, former Republican gubernatorial nominee, former State Auditor, former County Attorney of Mille Lacs County{{Cite news|date=17 August 1912|title=A Change is Needed|work=The Northfield News|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016829/1912-08-17/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=30 September 2020}}

{{Endorsements box|title=Adolph O. Eberhart (GOP)|list=Mayors

• Herbert P. Keller, Mayor of St. Paul{{Cite news|date=17 August 1912|title=A Change is Needed|work=The Northfield News|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016829/1912-08-17/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=30 September 2020}}

City Officials

• Robert Stratton, City Attorney of Hibbing{{Cite news|date=19 August 1912|title=La Follette Will Come|work=The Minneapolis Morning Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016772/1912-08-19/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=30 September 2020}}

Party Organizations

• Douglas County Republicans{{Cite news|date=14 May 1912|title=Douglas|work=The Minneapolis Morning Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016772/1912-05-14/ed-1/seq-2|access-date=20 February 2021}}}}{{Endorsements box|title=William Lee (GOP)|list=United States Senators
• Miles Poindexter of Washington{{Cite news|date=12 September 1912|title=Senator Poindexter to Speak|work=The Minneapolis Morning Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016772/1912-09-12/ed-1/seq-5|access-date=20 February 2021}}

National organizations

• Anti-Saloon League{{Cite news|date=25 July 1912|title=Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-07-25/ed-1/seq-9|access-date=30 September 2020}}

Party Organizations

• Minnesota Republican Progressive League{{Cite news|date=11 September 1912|title=Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-09-11/ed-1/seq-6|access-date=20 February 2021}}}}{{Endorsements box|title=Edward Young (GOP)|list=State Elected Officials
• George T. Simpson, former Minnesota Attorney General{{Cite news|last=Authier|first=George F.|date=23 July 1912|title=Roosevelt Men Anxious|work=The Minneapolis Morning Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016772/1912-07-23/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=30 September 2020}}}}

[[File:MNGubernatorialRepublicanPrimary1912.svg|right|thumb|Results by county:{{collapsible list

| title = Eberhart|{{legend0|#ffe0ea|20-30%}}|{{legend0|#ffc8cd|30-40%}}|{{legend0|#ffb2b2|40-50%}}|{{legend0|#e27f7f|50-60%}}|{{legend0|#d75d5d|60-70%}}
Eberhart and Lee tied in the 30-40% range in Douglas County

}}{{collapsible list

| title = Lee|{{legend0|#bdd3ff|30-40%}}|{{legend0|#a5b0ff|40-50%}}|{{legend0|#6674de|60-70%}}
Eberhart and Lee tied in the 30-40% range in Douglas County}}

{{collapsible list

| title = Young|{{legend0|#afe9c6|30-40%}}|{{legend0|#72d09c|40-50%}}|{{legend0|#37c871|50-60%}}}}

{{collapsible list

| title = Spooner|{{legend0|#f4e3d7|20-30%}}|{{legend0|#d38d5f|50-60%}}}}

{{collapsible list

| title = Gordon|{{legend0|#8d5fd3|50-60%}}}}

]]

For this primary, the Minnesota Republican Party used a ranked-choice system. In its implementation, the system was mistrusted by voters who believed their first choices would be ignored for their second choices by party operatives. As a result, less than 10% of voters indicated a second choice.{{Cite news|last=Bell|first=Floyd L.|date=7 September 1912|title=38 Per Cent Victor|work=The Hector Mirror|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn89064731/1912-09-27/ed-1/seq-1}} Only second choices were allowed.

The primary was held on September 17.

Minnesota had been a Republican stronghold for decades, but it appeared that this Republican dominance was waning. The Republicans, divided between their reactionary and progressive factions, were more concerned with fighting among themselves than fighting the historically weak Minnesota Democratic Party. Having built something of a bench in the state, Minnesota Democrats were optimistic for 1912, as were outside observers. The Duluth Herald remarked that "there was never a time in Minnesota when the Democratic outlook was so bright."{{Cite news|last=McCarthy|first=George|date=25 July 1912|title=Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-07-25/ed-1/seq-9|access-date=25 November 2020}}

Peter M. Ringdal was first mentioned for the governorship early in 1912, along with other Minnesota Democrats.{{Cite news|date=5 January 1912|title=P. M. Ringdal|work=The Virginia Republican|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn90059180/1912-01-05/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=23 November 2020}} He was known as a "true progressive" and one of the leaders of the progressive movement in Minnesota. One paper remarked that Ringdal was the Nestor of Minnesota progressives.{{Cite news|date=3 August 1912|title=Ringdal Files; Can be Elected|work=The Labor World|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn78000395/1912-08-03/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=24 November 2020}}

In March, prominent members of the Minnesota Democratic Party met to discuss the coming party convention and primary. In their meeting, they expressed that they believed Woodrow Wilson would receive the state's Democratic delegates.{{Cite news|date=23 March 1912|title=Political Gossip from the Capital|work=The Aitkin Independent|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn91059398/1912-03-23/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=24 November 2020}} They also expressed confidence that then-Congressman Winfield Scott Hammond would be a good candidate for governor, though they would settle for Ringdal as a decent second choice.

In April, the Minneapolis Democratic Party endorsed Charles M. Andrist, a French language professor at the University of Minnesota.{{Cite news|title=11 April 1912|work=The Minneapolis Morning Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016772/1912-04-11/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=24 November 2020}} Andrist had not yet decided to run for governor, so the endorsement came as a surprise. On May 23, Andrist officially entered the race and unveiled his platform at a banquet in Minneapolis.{{Cite news|date=24 May 1912|title=Mr. Andrist's Platform Out|work=The Minneapolis Morning Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016772/1912-05-24/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=25 November 2020}} His platform included some favorite progressive reforms of the day, like the popular election of Senators, campaign finance reforms, and allowing high schools to teach agricultural studies.

In late July, both Ringdal and Andrist officially paid the $50 filing fee.{{Cite news|date=26 July 1912|title=Ringdal Throws his Hat|work=The Bemidji Daily Pioneer|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn86063381/1912-07-26/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=24 November 2020}} The Democratic organization in Minnesota asked Andrist to withdraw and support Ringdal to boost their chances of winning in the general election.{{Cite news|date=1 August 1912|title=Ask his Withdrawal|work=Houston Signal|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn91059053/1912-08-01/ed-1/seq-9|access-date=24 November 2020}} This was part of a theme that year: the Democratic organization, sensing a weakly united Republican organization, was seeking to forward their strongest ticket without any primary challenges. However, their attempt to crowd out Andrist seems to have emboldened another professor, who told many that he had decided to run for governor: Peter M. Magnusson of St. Cloud.{{Cite news|last=Authier|first=George|date=20 July 1912|title=Northwest Politics|work=The Minneapolis Morning Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016772/1912-07-20/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=25 November 2020}} He never officially filed, however, and did not appear on primary ballots.{{Quote box

| quote = Representative government without direct popular

control of its politics is a relic of an age that is gone.

| author = Peter M. Ringdal

| source = The Duluth Herald{{Cite news|date=14 August 1912|title=Progressive Stand is Taken by Ringdal on State Problems|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-08-14/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=24 November 2020}}

| width = 300px

}}As the campaign got underway, Ringdal positioned himself as a progressive Democrat. His platform supported popular reforms such as initiative and referendum, workmen's compensation, and a progressive tax structure.{{Cite news|date=14 August 1912|title=Progressive Stand is Taken by Ringdal on State Problems|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-08-14/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=24 November 2020}} Though Andrist, Ringdal's only competitor, was understood to be a man of "high character," he remained an unknown entity whose platform was not well-known and who was without a particularly organized campaign.{{Cite news|date=16 August 1912|title=Who Andrist Is|work=Little Falls Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn89064515/1912-08-16/ed-1/seq-6|access-date=24 November 2020}}

On Labor Day, Ringdal was joined by progressive Republican James Peterson to speak at the Labor Day festivities in Duluth. He spoke at length in support of unions and of breaking up trusts.{{Cite news|date=2 September 1912|title=Nearly 700 Men in Line for Parade|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-09-02/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=24 November 2020}}

In the final weeks of the campaign, observers accused Ringdal of being the candidate of the "Democrat machine," just as they had accused Governor Eberhart of being a product of the Republican "machine."{{Cite news|date=6 September 1912|title=Thousands After Office|work=The Morris Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn91059394/1912-09-06/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=24 November 2020}} It was noted that Ringdal campaigned little compared to Andrist and was seemingly expecting the nomination without having to campaign.{{Cite news|last=Lawson|first=John|date=6 September 1912|title=From the State Capital|work=The News Messenger of Lyon County|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn90060652/1912-09-06/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=24 November 2020}}

In the final days of the campaign, it was remarked by many local newspapers that Ringdal was the heavy favorite.{{Cite news|date=13 September 1912|title=P. M. Ringdal|work=Little Falls Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn89064515/1912-09-13/ed-1/seq-5|access-date=24 November 2020}}

{{Endorsements box|title=Peter M. Ringdal (Dem)|list=Newspapers

• Freeborn County Standard{{Cite news|date=11 September 1912|title=Democratic Nominees Entitled to Voters' Support|work=Freeborn County Standard|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn85025442/1912-09-11/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=24 November 2020}}}}

• Peter M. Ringdal, chairman of the State Board of Control, former State Senator{{Cite news|date=25 January 1912|title=State Politics are Brewing|work=Wabasha County Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn89064816/1912-01-25/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=24 November 2020}}{{Cite web|title=Ringdal, Peter M. "P.M." - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present|url=https://www.leg.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?ID=14536|access-date=2020-11-24|website=www.leg.mn.gov}}

• Charles M. Andrist, professor at the University of Minnesota

• Peter M. Magnusson, professor, 1906 Democratic nominee for Secretary of State{{Cite news|last=McCarthy|first=George|date=20 July 1912|title=Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-07-20/ed-1/seq-8|access-date=25 November 2020}}

• Winfield Scott Hammond, United States Representative from Minnesota's second congressional district{{Cite news|last=Authier|first=George|date=26 July 1912|title=Third Party Ticket Vetoed|work=The Minneapolis Morning Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016772/1912-07-26/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=25 November 2020}}
• Thomas E. Cashman, State Senator{{Cite news|date=16 May 1912|title=Colonel Will Have Control|work=The Princeton Union|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016758/1912-05-16/ed-1/seq-7|access-date=25 November 2020}}
• William E. McEwen, former state labor commissioner{{Cite news|last=G.|first=W.|date=13 March 1912|title=Hurrah for "Billy!"|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-03-13/ed-1/seq-8|access-date=25 November 2020}}{{Cite news|date=17 February 1912|title=McEwen Getting Pointers|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-02-17/ed-1/seq-11|access-date=25 November 2020}}{{Cite news|date=16 August 1912|title=-|work=The Virginia Enterprise|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn90059180/1912-08-16/ed-1/seq-6|access-date=25 November 2020}}
• Samuel G. Anderson, former State Representative{{Cite news|date=7 June 1912|title=Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-06-07/ed-1/seq-10|access-date=25 November 2020}}{{Cite web|title=Anderson, Samuel G. "S.G." - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present|url=https://www.leg.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?ID=10986|access-date=2020-11-25|website=www.leg.mn.gov}}
• J. B. Galarneault, banker{{Cite news|last=McCarthy|first=George|date=22 January 1912|title=News and Views of Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-01-22/ed-1/seq-5|access-date=25 November 2020}}
• James G. Armson
• Peter M. Kerst, former state bank examiner{{Cite news|last=McCarthy|first=George|date=11 March 1912|title=News and Views of Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-03-11/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=25 November 2020}}{{Cite news|date=9 March 1912|title=Many Men Mentioned for Governor's Job|work=The Labor World|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn78000395/1912-03-09/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=25 November 2020}}
• C. W. Stanton, judge{{Cite news|date=9 July 1912|title=Minnesota Politics|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-07-09/ed-1/seq-6|access-date=24 November 2020}}
• T. J. Knox, former state railroad and warehouse commissioner
• E. P. Peterson, State Senator{{Cite news|last=Authier|first=George|date=11 March 1912|title=Roosevelt Men Anxious|work=The Minneapolis Morning Tribune|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016772/1912-03-11/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=25 November 2020}}
• John Jenswold, lawyer{{Cite news|date=12 April 1912|title=Wilson on the Money Trust|work=Little Falls Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn89064515/1912-04-12/ed-1/seq-4|access-date=25 November 2020}} (ran for Congress){{Cite news|date=26 August 1912|title=John Jenswold Enters Congressional Race|work=The Duluth Herald|url=https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/lccn/sn83016458/1912-08-26/ed-1/seq-1|access-date=25 November 2020}}
• Albert Pfaender, State Representative{{Cite web|title=Pfaender, Albert - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present|url=https://www.leg.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?ID=14355|access-date=2020-11-26|website=www.leg.mn.gov}}

[[File:MNGubernatorialDemocraticPrimary1912.svg|alt=|thumb|Results by county:{{collapsible list

| title = Ringdal|{{legend0|#7996e2|50-60%}}|{{legend0|#6674de|60-70%}}|{{legend0|#584cde|70-80%}}|{{legend0|#3933e5|80-90%}}|{{legend0|#0d0596|90-100%}}

}}{{collapsible list

| title = Andrist|{{legend0|#ffdd55|50-60%}}|{{legend0|#ffd026|60-70%}}|{{legend0|#daa300|80-90%}}

}}]]

The Democrats did not run a ranked-choice primary.

{{Election box begin no change|title=Minnesota Democratic gubernatorial primary results}}{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party of Minnesota|candidate=Peter M. Ringdal|votes=19,871|percentage=63.21%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party of Minnesota|candidate=Charles M. Andrist|votes=11,567|percentage=36.79%}}{{Election box total no change|votes=31,438|percentage=100%}}{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=1912 Gubernatorial Election, Minnesota}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link||party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Adolph Olson Eberhart (incumbent)|votes=129,688|percentage=40.73%|change=-15.01%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Peter M. Ringdal|votes=99,659|percentage=31.30%|change=-3.93%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Bull Moose Party|Progressive|candidate=Paul V. Collins|votes=33,455|percentage=10.51%|change=n/a}}

{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Prohibition Party (United States)|candidate=Engebret E. Lobeck|votes=29,876|percentage=9.38%|change=+6.34%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Public Ownership Party (United States)|candidate=David Morgan|votes=25,769|percentage=8.09%|change=+4.30%}}

{{Election box majority||votes=30,029|percentage=9.43%|change=}}

{{Election box turnout||votes=318,447|percentage=|change=}}

{{Election box hold with party link|

|winner = Republican Party (United States)

|swing =

}}

{{Election box end}}

• List of Minnesota gubernatorial elections

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• http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=653
• http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=657

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{{1912 United States elections}}

Minnesota

Gubernatorial

1912

Category:November 1912 in the United States