John F. Simms Democratic Edwin L. Mechem Republican The 1956 New Mexico gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 1956, in order to elect the Governor of New Mexico.

Incumbent Democrat John F. Simms ran for reelection to a second term but was defeated by former governor Edwin L. Mechem.

This was the last gubernatorial election until 1994 in which a Republican carried Sandoval County.

The Democratic primary was won by incumbent governor John F. Simms.

The Republican primary was won by former governor Edwin L. Mechem.