[1] Incumbent Republican Alfred E. Driscoll defeated Democratic former U.S. Representative Elmer H. Wene with 51.54% of the vote.

Under the 1947 New Jersey Constitution, Driscoll was the first Governor in state history eligible to succeed himself in a second consecutive term in a popular election.

Driscoll campaigned largely on his administration's liberal record and his support for universal health insurance, public housing, and civil rights.

[2] Adams largely failed to raise his profile outside of Somerset and relied primarily on opposition to Driscoll within the party, as well as farmers disaffected by the Governor's suspension of retail milk price controls in January 1942.

[2] Adams's strength was primarily in rural areas, with an unexpectedly strong showing in Union County.