Vernon W. Thomson Republican Gaylord A. Nelson Democratic The 1958 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1958.

The Democratic nominee, state senator Gaylord A. Nelson, defeated the Republican incumbent governor, Vernon W. Thomson, receiving 53.59% of the vote.

As of 2024[update], this is the most recent gubernatorial election in which Vilas County has voted for the Democratic candidate.

Both major party candidates were unopposed in their respective primaries.

By backing Thomson, Oconto County voted for the losing candidate for the first time since 1875, breaking a streak of 40 consecutive elections of backing the eventual winner.