An electromagnetic switch includes a first and a second solenoid arranged in alignment in an axial direction of a housing and brings a pinion into mesh with a ring gear of an engine and close main contacts in a power supply circuit for an electric motor which cranks the engine. A retainer is provided which extends from a first bobbin of the first solenoid at least to a location of an air gap formed in a magnetic circuit of the second solenoid. The retainer holds a portion of a lead wire extending from a bobbin of the first solenoid at least in a range between the bobbin and the air gap, thereby minimizing inclination or deflection of the lead wire when the first and second solenoids are fabricated within the housing, thus facilitating the ease with which the first and second solenoids are mounted in place in the housing.