| Election Name: | 1942 Rhode Island gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Rhode Island |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1940 Rhode Island gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 1940 |
| Next Election: | 1944 Rhode Island gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 1944 |
| Election Date: | November 3, 1942 |
| Nominee1: | J. Howard McGrath |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 139,407 |
| Percentage1: | 58.54% |
| Nominee2: | James O. McManus |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 98,741 |
| Percentage2: | 41.46% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | J. Howard McGrath |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | J. Howard McGrath |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
The 1942 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1942. Incumbent Democrat J. Howard McGrath defeated Republican nominee James O. McManus with 58.54% of the vote.