Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 1898

Last updated
Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 1898
Flag of Pennsylvania.svg
  1894 November 8, 1898 (1898-11-08) 1902  

  William Alexis Stone.jpg George A. Jenks.jpg Silas C Swallow 1904.jpg
Nominee William A. Stone George A. Jenks Silas C. Swallow
Party Republican Democratic Prohibition
Popular vote476,206 358,300 132,931
Percentage49.01% 36.87% 13.68%

Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Election Results by County, 1898.svg

County results

Governor before election

Daniel H. Hastings
Republican

Elected Governor

William A. Stone
Republican

The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 1898 was held on November 1. It featured a three-way campaign between major party candidates William Stone and George Jenks, as well as a strong showing by prohibitionist Silas Swallow.

William A. Stone American politician

William Alexis Stone was the 22nd Governor of Pennsylvania from 1899 to 1903.

George A. Jenks American politician

George Augustus Jenks was a politician from Pennsylvania and Solicitor General.

Silas C. Swallow American politician

Silas Comfort Swallow was a United States Methodist preacher and prohibitionist politician who was a lifelong opponent of slavery.

Contents

Candidates

Prohibition

Democratic

Republican

Campaign

Entering the election, the Republican machine was strong but its leadership was divided. Although previous governor Daniel Hastings had tried to toe the line between the conservative and progressive wings of the party, he failed to impress either side. Party bosses Matthew Quay, a conservative, and John Wanamaker, a progressive, nominated canadiates with the same last name but who were of no relation. In a close race, the conservatives prevailed, but the party had difficulty reuniting after William Stone defeated retired U.S. Army Colonel Charles W. Stone.

Jenks' campaign had difficulty gaining traction from the start, and Stone was able to undercut some of Swallow's support by identifying with the temperance movement. Stone also did well by emphasizing his commitment to law and order, after labor strife had rocked the state during the previous governor's term.

Results

Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 1898 [1] [2]
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican William A. Stone 476,20649.01
Democratic George A. Jenks 358,300 36.87
Prohibition Silas C. Swallow 132,931 13.68
Socialist Labor J. Mahlon Barnes 4,278 0.44
N/A Other 32 0.00
Total votes971,747100.00

Related Research Articles

References

  1. The Pennsylvania Manual, p. 7-19.
  2. The Pennsylvania Manual, p. 7-18.