1856 Missouri gubernatorial election

The Missouri gubernatorial election of 1856 was Missouri's 11th gubernatorial election. In the election, which was held on August 2, 1852, the Democratic nominee, Trusten Polk, defeated Know-Nothing candidate Robert C. Ewing (running under the American Party label), and former Senator Thomas H. Benton. Benton ran as an Independent Democrat under the label "Benton Democrat."

1856 Missouri gubernatorial election

August 4, 1856
 
Nominee Trusten Polk Robert Ewing Thomas H. Benton
Party Democratic Know Nothing Independent Democratic
Popular vote 46,993 40,589 27,618
Percentage 40.79% 35.23% 23.97%

Governor before election

Sterling Price
Democratic

Elected Governor

Trusten Polk
Democratic

In February 1857, Trusten Polk would be elected to the United States Senate; he therefore resigned the governorship, was replaced by Lt. Gov. Hancock Lee Jackson, and forced a special election to be called for August 1857 to fill the remainder of the term.[1]

Results

1856 gubernatorial election, Missouri[2]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Trusten Polk 46,993 40.79 -17.93
Know Nothing Robert C. Ewing 40,589 35.23 +35.23
"Benton Democrat" Thomas H. Benton 27,618 23.97 +23.97
Majority 6,404 5.56 -11.88
Turnout 115,200 16.89
Democratic hold Swing

References

  1. "SOS, Missouri – State Archives: Governors". Sos.mo.gov. Retrieved 2013-03-22.
  2. "MO Governor Race – Aug 04, 1856". Our Campaigns. 2005-03-08. Retrieved 2013-03-22.
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