Walter J. Kohler Jr. Republican Walter J. Kohler Jr. Republican The 1952 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1952.

Incumbent Republican Governor Walter J. Kohler Jr. defeated Democratic nominee William Proxmire with 62.50% of the vote.

Kohler's share of the vote was the highest by a gubernatorial candidate since Philip La Follette in 1930; no candidate would match Kohler's share until Tommy Thompson in 1994.

Primary elections were held on September 9, 1952.

After this election, Douglas County and Kenosha County would not vote Republican again until 1990.