The 1964 Illinois gubernatorial election was held in Illinois on November 3, 1964. The Democratic nominee, incumbent Governor Otto Kerner, Jr., won reelection against the Republican nominee, Charles H. Percy.
Background
The primaries and general election both coincided with those for federal offices (United States President and congress) and those for other state offices. The election was part of the 1964 Illinois elections.
In the primary election, turnout was 37.89% with 1,956,238 votes cast. In the general election, turnout was 84.15% with 4,657,500 votes cast.
Democratic primary
The Democratic primary was held on April 14, 1964. Incumbent governor Otto Kerner Jr. won without opposition.
Candidates
- Otto Kerner Jr., incumbent Governor since 1961
Declined
- Sargent Shriver, director of the Peace Corps and former President of the Chicago Board of Education
Sargent Shriver had considered a possible run, but opted against a campaign after President Lyndon B. Johnson asked him to remain in Washington to assist with Great Society programs.
Results
Republican primary
The Republican primary was also held on April 14. Business executive Charles Percy won the nomination against Illinois state treasurer William Scott, and a field of minor candidates.
Candidates
- Charles H. Percy, president of Bell & Howell and former advisor to Dwight D. Eisenhower and Nelson Rockefeller
- Barnept J. "Barney" Neidle
- William J. Scott, Treasurer of Illinois since 1963
- Alfred A. Skallish
Withdrew
- Charles F. Carpentier, Secretary of State
- Hayes Robertson, chair of the Cook County Republican Party and candidate for governor in 1960 (endorsed Scott)
Campaign
Illinois secretary of state Charles F. Carpentier was originally running, but dropped-out in January after suffering a heart attack. Also originally running was Cook County Republican Party chairman Hayes Robertson, who had unsuccessfully challenged William Stratton in the 1960 Republican gubernatorial primary. Robertson also withdrew in January, throwing his support behind Scott.
Results
General election
References
