Richard F. Kneip Democratic Richard F. Kneip Democratic Measure 9 Amendment A Amendment E Amendment G The 1972 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972, to elect a Governor of South Dakota.

It was the last election in South Dakota to elect the governor for a two-year term after a 1972 state constitutional amendment established a four-year term.

[1] Democratic nominee Richard F. Kneip was re-elected, defeating Republican nominee Carveth Thompson.

Despite incumbent Republican President Richard Nixon winning The state with 62% of the vote on the same ballot.