The 1952 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1952. Incumbent Republican William S. Beardsley defeated Democratic nominee and Mayor of Ottumwa Herschel C. Loveless with 51.90% of the vote.
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on June 2, 1952.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Herschel C. Loveless, Mayor of Ottumwa
- Otha Wearin, former U.S. Representative
Republican primary
Candidates
- William S. Beardsley, incumbent Governor
- Kenneth A. Evans, former Lieutenant Governor
- William H. Nicholas, incumbent Lieutenant Governor
General election
Candidates
Major party candidates
- William S. Beardsley, Republican
- Herschel C. Loveless, Democratic
Other candidates
- Z. Everett Kellum, Prohibition
- Ernest J. Seemann, Independent