1859 Kansas gubernatorial election

The 1859 Kansas gubernatorial election was held on December 6, 1859, in order to elect the first Governor of Kansas upon Kansas acquiring statehood on January 29, 1861. Republican nominee and former member of the California Assembly from the 12th district Charles L. Robinson defeated Democratic nominee and incumbent Territorial Governor of Kansas Samuel Medary.^[1]

1859 Kansas gubernatorial election

December 6, 1859 1862 →

Nominee Charles L. Robinson Samuel Medary Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 7,848 5,401 Percentage 59.24% 40.76%

County results Robinson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%     >90% Medary:      50–60%     60–70%     70–80%      No Data

Governor before election Samuel Medary (Territorial) Democratic Elected Governor Charles L. Robinson Republican

General election

On election day, December 6, 1859, Republican nominee Charles L. Robinson won the election by a margin of 2,447 votes against his opponent Democratic nominee Samuel Medary, thereby gaining Republican control over the new office of Governor. Robinson was sworn in as the 1st Governor of the new state of Kansas on February 1, 1861.^[2]

Results

Kansas gubernatorial election, 1859

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Charles L. Robinson	7,848	59.24
	Democratic	Samuel Medary (incumbent)	5,401	40.76
Total votes			13,249	100.00
	Republican gain from Democratic