1890 Connecticut gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1890 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 1890 Connecticut gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1890. Democratic nominee Luzon B. Morris defeated Republican nominee Samuel E. Merwin with 50.01% of the vote.

1890 Connecticut gubernatorial election

← 1888 November 4, 1890 1892 →

Nominee Luzon B. Morris Samuel E. Merwin Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 67,658 63,975 Percentage 50.01% 47.29%

County results Municipality results Morris:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Merwin:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Morgan Bulkeley Republican Elected Governor Vacant

The law at the time specified that if no candidate received a majority, the state legislature would decide the election. Morris received 50.01% of the vote, a mere 26 votes more than the majority needed to win. There were irregularities among ballots in Bridgeport as well. The state legislature, having split control, could not agree on a winner, and the result was challenged and deadlocked over the next two years.

Due to these challenges, Morris was not seated as Governor and the incumbent Governor Morgan Bulkeley remained in office, despite not running in the election.

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

• Luzon B. Morris, Democratic
• Samuel E. Merwin, Republican

Other candidates

• Phineas M. Augur, Prohibition
• Henry C. Baldwin, Labor

Results

1890 Connecticut gubernatorial election^[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Luzon B. Morris	67,658	50.01%
	Republican	Samuel E. Merwin	63,975	47.29%
	Prohibition	Phineas M. Augur	3,413	2.52%
	Labor	Henry C. Baldwin	209	0.15%
Majority
Turnout
	Democratic gain from Republican		Swing