1889 Montana gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1889 United States gubernatorial elections.

1889 Montana gubernatorial election

October 1, 1889 1892  →

Nominee Joseph Toole Thomas C. Power Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 19,735 18,991 Percentage 50.96% 49.04%

Toole   50–60% Power   50-60%   No data

Governor of Montana Territory before election Benjamin White Republican Governor of Montana after election Joseph Toole Democratic

The 1889 Montana gubernatorial election took place on October 1, 1889. This was the first gubernatorial election in Montana. Democratic candidate Joseph Toole narrowly beat Republican candidate Thomas C. Power. Toole was the only Democrat elected for Montana's six executive offices. Toole was sworn in on November 8, 1889, and his term ended January 2, 1893.

Toole would be elected again in 1900 and 1904. He resigned near the end of his third term due to ill health. ^[1] He is the longest served Governor of Montana, at 11 years, and the only Governor elected to nonconsecutive terms. Power would be elected United States Senator by the Montana Legislature after statehood.

General election

Results

Montana gubernatorial election, 1889

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Joseph Toole	19,735	50.96%	+50.96%
	Republican	Thomas C. Power	18,991	49.04%	+49.04%
Majority			744	1.92%
Turnout			38,726
	Democratic hold		Swing

^[2]

References

1. "Joseph Kemp Toole". National Governors Association. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
2. "Our Campaigns - MT Governor Race - Oct 01, 1889". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved February 22, 2021.