Illinois gubernatorial election, 1846

Illinois gubernatorial election, 1846
Illinois
August 3, 1842
 
Nominee Augustus C. French Thomas M. Kilpatrick
Party Democratic Whig
Running mate Joseph Wells Unknown
Popular vote 58,657 37,033
Percentage 58.20% 36.69%
Governor before election

Thomas Ford
Democratic

 Elected Governor

Augustus C. French
Democratic

The Illinois gubernatorial election of 1842 was the eighth quadrennial election for this office. Democrat Augustus C. French defeated Whig nominee Thomas M. Kilpatrick,for the office. Richard Eels of the Liberty Party came in a distant third. The term was cut short, and lasted only half the normal length. This synchronized the gubernatorial election with the election for President. This was the first time in the history of the state that a governor was re-elected, though governor Joseph Duncan attempted this and failed.

Results

1846 gubernatorial election, Illinois
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Augustus C. French 58,657 58.20% +4.68%
Whig Thomas M. Kilpatrick 37,033 36.69% -8.74%
Liberty Richard Eels 5,154 5.11% +4.07%
Majority 21,624 21.51% N/A
Turnout 100,844 100.00%
Democratic hold Swing

References