1888 West Virginia gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1888 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 1888 West Virginia gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 1888, to elect the governor of West Virginia.

1888 West Virginia gubernatorial election

← 1884 November 6, 1888 1892 →

Nominee Aretas B. Fleming Nathan Goff Jr. Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 78,798 78,904 Percentage 49.21% 49.27%

County results Fleming:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80% Goff:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

Governor before election Emanuel Willis Wilson Democratic Elected Governor Aretas B. Fleming Democratic

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia ruled that outgoing governor Emmanuel Willis Wilson would remain governor; State Senate President Robert S. Carr had claimed authority until the Court reached its decision. In 1890, the Legislature agreed that Fleming had defeated Nathan Goff, Jr. As a result, Fleming did not assume the office until February 6, 1890.^[1]

This election was also the first time in West Virginia's history that an African-American ran for governor, with William H. Davis running under the Colored Independent Party.

Results

West Virginia gubernatorial election, 1888^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Aretas B. Fleming	78,798	49.21
	Republican	Nathan Goff Jr.	78,904	49.27
	Other	Others	2,437	1.52
Total votes			160,139	100
	Democratic hold