The 1948 Arizona gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 1948. Following the death of Governor Sidney Preston Osborn while in office, Dan Edward Garvey, who was serving as Secretary of State of Arizona was ascended to the position of governor, and thus ran for a full term. Facing a crowded primary field, Garvey emerged successful as the Democratic party's nominee.
Dan Edward Garvey was challenged by Republican Bruce Brockett in the general election, who had run in 1946 against Osborn, and had previously signaled a shift in voters becoming more Republican, outperforming their past electoral failures significantly. Despite this, Garvey was elected to a full term, and was sworn in on January 4, 1949.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Dan Edward Garvey, incumbent Governor (ascended to Governor following the death of Sidney P. Osborn) Richard F. Harless, U.S. Congressman Jim Smith J. Melvin Goodson, state representative Thad M. Moore, Arizona State Tax Commission Marvin E. Smith, state senator Howard Sprouse, state senator