Elmo Smith Republican Robert D. Holmes Democratic The 1956 Oregon gubernatorial special election took place on November 6, 1956.

Democratic state senator Robert D. Holmes narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Elmo Smith to win the election.

[1] Patterson's death elevated Oregon State Senate President Elmo Smith to governor and a special election for November was called to fill the position for the final two years of Patterson's term.

[2] The succession law was changed in 1972 so that the Oregon Secretary of State is first in line to succeed the governor.

[3] Lew Wallace unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination.