The South Carolina Democratic Party held their primary for governor in the summer of 1942. The race was between former Governor Olin D. Johnston and Wyndham Meredith Manning, the third attempt for both candidates. Olin Johnston emerged victorious in a tight race and effectively became the next governor of South Carolina because there was no opposition in the general election.
The general election was held on November 3, 1942 and Olin D. Johnston was elected the next governor of South Carolina without opposition. Being a non-presidential election and few contested races, turnout was much lower than the Democratic primary election.
Jordan, Frank E. The Primary State: A History of the Democratic Party in South Carolina, 1876-1962. p. 44.
"Supplemental Report of the Secretary of State to the General Assembly of South Carolina." Reports and Resolutions of South Carolina to the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina. Volume I. Columbia, SC: 1943, p. 11.