The Republicans also nominated an "Independent Progressive" ticket so that their nominee Thomas E. Dewey would appear in two columns on the ballot, like Gov.

The approximate party strength at this election, as expressed by the vote for Governor, was: Republicans 2,303,000; Democrats 1,971,000; American Labor 420,000; Communists 106,000;[1] Socialists 25,000; Independent Progressives 24,000; and Industrial Government 3,500.

Both woman legislators—State Senator Rhoda Fox Graves (Rep.), of Gouverneur, and Assemblywoman Jane H. Todd (Rep.), of Tarrytown—were re-elected.

The Legislature met for the first regular session (the 162nd) at the State Capitol in Albany on January 4, 1939; and adjourned on May 20.

The Legislature met for a special session at the State Capitol in Albany on June 23, 1939;[3] and adjourned on July 10.

The Legislature met for the second regular session (the 163rd) at the State Capitol in Albany on January 3, 1940; and adjourned at half past midnight on March 31.

Assemblymen Daniel Gutman and Chauncey B. Hammond were elected to fill vacancies in the Senate.