Illinois gubernatorial election, 1856

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Illinois gubernatorial election, 1856
Flag of Illinois.svg
  1852 November 4, 1856 1860  

  William.H.Bissel.jpg William Alexander Richardson - Brady-Handy.jpg BSMorris.jpg
Nominee William Henry Bissell William Alexander Richardson Buckner S. Morris
Party Republican Democratic American
Running mate John Wood Unknown Unknown
Popular vote111,466 106,769 19,088
Percentage46.97% 44.99% 8.04%

Governor before election

Joel Aldrich Matteson
Democratic

Elected Governor

William Henry Bissell
Republican

The Illinois gubernatorial election of 1856 was the eleventh election for this office. Democratic governor Joel Aldrich Matteson did not seek re-election. Former Democratic Congressman William Henry Bissell was nominated by the newly formed Republican Party at the Bloomington Convention. Former Whig Mayor of Chicago Buckner S. Morris was nominated on the Know-Nothing Party ticket. This was the first election of a Republican governor in Illinois history. At this time in Illinois history the Lieutenant Governor was elected on a separate ballot from the governor. This would remain the case until the adoption of the 1970 constitution.

Democratic Party (United States) political party in the United States

The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. Tracing its heritage back to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison's Democratic-Republican Party, the modern-day Democratic Party was founded around 1828 by supporters of Andrew Jackson, making it the world's oldest active political party.

Joel Aldrich Matteson American politician

Joel Aldrich Matteson was the tenth Governor of Illinois, serving from 1853 to 1857. In 1855, he became the first governor to reside in the Illinois Executive Mansion. After his term as governor ended he was for many years the president of the Chicago and Alton Railroad.

William Henry Bissell American politician

William Henry Bissell was the 11th Governor of the U.S. state of Illinois from 1857 until his death. He was one of the first successful Republican Party candidates in the U.S., winning the election of 1856 just two years after the founding of his party. In addition to being the first Republican governor of Illinois, he was also the first Catholic and also the first to die in office.

Results

1856 gubernatorial election, Illinois
PartyCandidateVotes%±
Republican William Henry Bissell 111,46646.97%+5.21%
Democratic William A. Richardson 106,769 44.99% -7.40%
American Buckner S. Morris 19,088 8.04% N/A
Majority 16,381 10.62% -68.90%
Turnout 237,323 100.00%
Republican gain from Democratic Swing

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