The 1918 Oregon gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1918, to elect the governor of the U.S. state of Oregon. The election matched incumbent Republican James Withycombe against Democratic State Senator Walter M. Pierce.
Withycombe's reelection campaign capitalized on his wartime acts, portraying him as a wartime Governor actively protecting the state and aiding the defense of the United States. Withycombe died in office in March 1919, just two months into his second term. As prescribed by Oregon law, Oregon Secretary of State Ben Olcott succeeded Withycombe in office.
Primary election
Oregon held primary elections on May 17, 1918.
Republican party
Incumbent governor James Withycombe was renominated with a plurality of the vote.
Candidates
- J. E. Anderson, member of Oregon House of Representatives and Prohibition activist
- F. C. Harley, mayor of Astoria
- Gus C. Moser, member of Oregon State Senate
- Ben W. Olcott, Secretary of State of Oregon
- L. J. Simpson, businessman and founder of North Bend
- James Withycombe, incumbent governor
Democratic party
State senator Walter M. Pierce defeated educator Harvey G. Starkweather for the Democratic nomination.
Candidates
- Walter M. Pierce, member of Oregon State Senate
- Harvey G. Starkweather, former superintendent of schools in Clackmas County and La Grande
General election
Candidates
- James Withycombe, Republican
- Walter M. Pierce, Democratic
- B. F. Ramp, Socialist
Results by county
Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican
Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic