| Election Name: | 1940 Rhode Island gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Rhode Island |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1938 Rhode Island gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 1938 |
| Next Election: | 1942 Rhode Island gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 1942 |
| Election Date: | November 5, 1940 |
| Nominee1: | J. Howard McGrath |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 177,937 |
| Percentage1: | 55.84% |
| Nominee2: | William Henry Vanderbilt III |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 140,480 |
| Percentage2: | 44.08% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | William Henry Vanderbilt III |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | J. Howard McGrath |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
The 1940 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1940. Democratic nominee J. Howard McGrath defeated incumbent Republican William Henry Vanderbilt III with 55.84% of the vote.
Major party candidates
Other candidates