1872 West Virginia gubernatorial election

The 1872 West Virginia gubernatorial election took place on October 8, 1872, to elect the governor of West Virginia.

1872 West Virginia gubernatorial election

← 1870 October 8, 1872 1876 →

Nominee John J. Jacob Johnson N. Camden Party People's Independent Democratic Alliance Republican Popular vote 42,888 40,305 Percentage 51.55% 48.45%

County results Jacob:      50-60%     60-70%     70-80%     80-90% Camden:      50-60%     60-70%     70-80%     80-90%

Governor before election John J. Jacob Democratic Elected Governor John J. Jacob People's Independent

Incumbent John Jeremiah Jacob was denied renomination by the Democratic Party, which was controlled by Camden. Jacob ran on the ad hoc "People's Independent" ticket with Republican support. He was re-elected by 2400 votes for a four-year term.^[1] Camden's men controlled the legislature, and passed "ripper" laws that stripped Jacob of his appointment powers.

West Virginia began electing its governor to a 4-year term, starting this election. Previously the governor was elected to a 2-year term.

Results

West Virginia gubernatorial election, 1872^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	People's Independent	John J. Jacob (incumbent)	42,888	51.55
	Democratic	Johnson N. Camden	40,305	48.45
Total votes			83,193	100
	People's Independent gain from Democratic Party (United States)