Elmo Smith

Elmo Everett Smith was an American politician and newspaper publisher who served as the 27th governor of Oregon from 1956 to 1957. A member of the Republican Party, Smith served two terms as mayor of Ontario, Oregon, from 1940 to 1943 before resigning to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After returning to civilian life, he served as Ontario mayor for three more terms and was elected to the Oregon State Senate in 1948. He became president of the Senate in 1955. Smith was elevated to the governorship following the unexpected death of Governor Paul L. Patterson on January 31, 1956. A special election in November was called to fill the position for the final two years of Patterson's term. Smith won the Republication primary but lost in gubernatorial election to Democratic nominee Robert D. Holmes.