1937 Los Angeles mayoral election

The 1937 Los Angeles mayoral election took place on April 6, 1937, with a runoff election on May 4, 1937. Incumbent Frank L. Shaw was reelected over Supervisor John Anson Ford in the runoff election.

1937 Los Angeles mayoral election

April 6, 1937 (1937-04-06) and May 4, 1937 (1937-05-04)

Candidate Frank L. Shaw John Anson Ford First round 104,481 42.57% 77,703 31.66% Runoff 171,415 54.26% 144,522 45.74%   Candidate Gordon L. McDonough Carl B. Wirsching First round 40,526 16.51% 15,764 6.42% Runoff Eliminated Eliminated

Mayor before election Frank L. Shaw Elected Mayor Frank L. Shaw

Municipal elections in California, including Mayor of Los Angeles, are officially nonpartisan; candidates' party affiliations do not appear on the ballot.

Election

Shaw, who was elected in 1933, was seeking a second term for Mayor. He was challenged by Supervisors John Anson Ford and Gordon L. McDonough as well as President of the Board of Public Works Carl B. Wirsching, the son of Supervisor Robert E. Wirsching who was nominated to the post by Shaw. In the primary, Shaw and Ford advanced to the general election.

In the runoff, Shaw defeated Ford, with Ford conceding defeat and thanking his supporters the day after the election.

Results

Primary election

Los Angeles mayoral primary election, April 6, 1937

Candidate		Votes	%
Frank L. Shaw (incumbent)		104,481	42.57
John Anson Ford		77,703	31.66
Gordon L. McDonough		40,526	16.51
Carl B. Wirsching		15,764	6.42
Andrae B. Nordskog		4,833	1.97
Frank C. Shoemaker		2,142	0.87
Total votes		245,449	100.00

General election

Los Angeles mayoral general election, May 4, 1937

Candidate		Votes	%
Frank L. Shaw (incumbent)		171,415	54.26
John Anson Ford		144,522	45.74
Total votes		315,937	100.00

External links

• Office of the City Clerk, City of Los Angeles