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| Elections in Virginia |
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A gubernatorial election was held in Virginia on December 5, 1811. [4] The acting governor of Virginia George W. Smith defeated the speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates James Barbour. [5]
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The previous governor James Monroe resigned on April 3, 1811, to accept an appointment as U.S. secretary of state. Smith succeeded to office in his capacity as president of the Council of State and acted as governor for the remainder of the unexpired term. [6] Barbour had been mentioned as a possible candidate in the preceding special election to succeed John Tyler Sr., but declined to challenge Monroe, who defeated Smith on the joint ballot. With Monroe's resignation, Barbour's allies now believed his election was assured. [7]
The election was conducted by the Virginia General Assembly in joint session. [8] No candidate had a majority after the first ballot, requiring a second round of voting. [9] Smith was elected with a majority on the second ballot. [5] Barbour was disheartened by the defeat and considered retiring from politics, but would shortly succeed Smith in the next election following the latter's death three weeks later. [10]