1832 Rhode Island gubernatorial election

1832 Rhode Island gubernatorial election

←  1831 4 April 1832 1833  →

Nominee Lemuel H. Arnold James Fenner William Sprague III Party National Republican Democratic-Republican Anti-Masonic Popular vote 2,730 2,290 610 Percentage 48.42% 40.62% 10.82%

County results Arnold:      40–50%     50–60% Fenner:      50–60%

Governor before election Lemuel H. Arnold National Republican Elected Governor Lemuel H. Arnold National Republican

The 1832 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on 4 April 1832 in order to elect the governor of Rhode Island. Incumbent National Republican governor Lemuel H. Arnold won a plurality of the vote against former Democratic-Republican governor James Fenner and incumbent Anti-Masonic Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives William Sprague III. However, as no candidate received a majority of the total votes cast as was required by Rhode Island law, run-offs were held until a candidate received a majority. Following four run-offs which were held on 16 May, 18 July, 28 August and 21 November, no candidate was able to receive a majority. So Governor Arnold remained to serve as governor during the run-offs and in January 1833, the Rhode Island state legislature formalized Governor Arnold's win as he had come in first place in every election and run-off that was held. This permitted him to continue on as governor until the end of the term on 1 May 1833. ^[1]

General election

On election day, 4 April 1832, incumbent National Republican governor Lemuel H. Arnold won the election by a margin of 440 votes against his foremost opponent former Democratic-Republican governor James Fenner. However, as no candidate had received a majority of the vote, several run-offs were held, all won by Governor Arnold but again without a majority. So the Rhode Island state legislature formalized Governor Arnold's win in January 1833, and he was allowed to serve out the rest of the term. He thereby retained National Republican control over the office of governor. Arnold was sworn in for his second term on 1 May 1832 so he could remain as governor amidst the awaiting scheduled run-offs. ^[2]

Results

General election

Results 4 April

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	National Republican	Lemuel H. Arnold (incumbent)	2,730	48.42
	Democratic-Republican	James Fenner	2,290	40.62
	Anti-Masonic	William Sprague III	610	10.82
		Scattering	8	0.14
Total votes			5,638	100.00

First Runoff

Results 16 May

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	National Republican	Lemuel H. Arnold (incumbent)	3,309	47.55
	Democratic-Republican	James Fenner	2,940	42.25
	Anti-Masonic	William Sprague III	698	10.03
		Scattering	12	0.17
Total votes			6,959	100.00

Second Runoff

Results 18 July

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	National Republican	Lemuel H. Arnold (incumbent)	2,721	46.43
	Democratic-Republican	James Fenner	2,341	39.95
	Anti-Masonic	William Sprague III	792	13.52
		Scattering	6	0.10
Total votes			5,860	100.00

Third Runoff

Results 28 August

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	National Republican	Lemuel H. Arnold (incumbent)	3,062	45.39
	Democratic-Republican	James Fenner	2,715	40.25
	Anti-Masonic	William Sprague III	967	14.33
		Scattering	2	0.03
Total votes			6,746	100.00

Fourth Runoff

Results 21 November

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	National Republican	Lemuel H. Arnold (incumbent)	2,880	47.78
	Democratic-Republican	James Fenner	2,306	38.26
	Anti-Masonic	William Sprague III	832	13.80
		Scattering	10	0.16
Total votes			6,028	100.00
	National Republican hold

References

1. "Lemuel Hastings Arnold". National Governors Association . Retrieved April 5, 2024.
2. "RI Governor". ourcampaigns.com. June 6, 2005. Retrieved April 5, 2024.