Walter Johnson became governor on April 15, 1950 upon the resignation of William Lee Knous. Johnson was succeeded by Senate President Charles P. Murphy, who served the remainder of the term.
Source for Popular Vote data: Colorado Secretary of State. Abstract of Votes Cast at a General Election Held on Tuesday, November 2, A.D. 1948, Colorado Secretary of State (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Results/Abstract/pdf/1900-1999/1948AbstractBook.pdf) (accessed 07 Dec 2023)