The 1962 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1962 to elect the Governor of Pennsylvania for a four‑year term beginning in January 1963. The election followed the end of the two‑term tenure of Democratic Governor David L. Lawrence, who was ineligible for re‑election under state law.
Major party candidates
| Party | Nominee | Prior office / background |
|---|---|---|
| Republican | William Scranton | U.S. Representative from Scranton; former Mayor of Scranton |
| Democratic | John Morgan Davis | Former Attorney General of Pennsylvania (1955‑1960) |
Election results
| Candidate | Party | Popular vote | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Scranton | Republican | 2,189,351 | 52.5 % |
| John Morgan Davis | Democratic | 1,872,450 | 44.8 % |
| Others* | — | 129,322 | 3.1 % |
*The remaining votes were cast for minor‑party candidates, including a Socialist Labor nominee and an Independent candidate.
Context and significance
- The contest was a contest between the Republican‑leaning industrial‑centered Scranton and the Democratic‑aligned Davis, who emphasized continuity with the popular policies of outgoing Governor Lawrence.
- Key issues during the campaign included state economic development, education funding, and infrastructure investment, as well as national concerns such as Cold‑War defense spending and civil‑rights legislation.
- William Scranton’s victory continued a period of Republican dominance in Pennsylvania’s statewide offices during the early 1960s. He served a single term (1963‑1967) and was succeeded by Democrat Milton Shapp in the 1970 election.
Aftermath
- Governor Scranton pursued a moderate, business‑friendly agenda, focusing on expanding the state’s highway system and encouraging private investment.
- John Morgan Davis returned to his legal practice and later was appointed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, serving from 1966 until his death in 1993.
