1908 Delaware gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1908 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 1908 Delaware gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1908. Though some Republicans had interest in nominating incumbent Governor Preston Lea to a second term,^[1] the state convention instead named former State Senator Simeon S. Pennewill as the Republican nominee.^[2] In the general election, Pennewill faced Democratic nominee Rowland G. Paynter, a physician.^[3] Pennewill ultimately defeated Paynter by a relatively slim margin, continuing the Republican streak in Delaware gubernatorial elections.

1908 Delaware gubernatorial election

← 1904 November 3, 1908 1912 →

Nominee Simeon S. Pennewill Rowland G. Paynter Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 24,905 22,794 Percentage 51.97% 47.56%

County results Pennewill:      50–60% Paynter:      50–60%

Governor before election Preston Lea Republican Elected Governor Simeon S. Pennewill Republican

General election

1908 Delaware gubernatorial election^[4]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Simeon S. Pennewill	24,905	51.97%	+0.56%
	Democratic	Rowland G. Paynter	22,794	47.56%	+2.44%
	Socialist	J. Frank Smith	225	0.47%	+0.17%
Majority			2,111	4.40%	−1.87%
Turnout			47,924	100.00%
	Republican hold