1878 Maine gubernatorial election
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County results Connor: 30–40% 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% Smith: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% | |||||||||||||||||||||
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The 1878 Maine gubernatorial election was held on 9 September 1878 in order to elect the Governor of Maine. Democratic nominee and former Mayor of Lewiston Alonzo Garcelon defeated incumbent Republican Governor Seldon Connor and Greenback nominee Joseph L. Smith. However, as no candidate received a majority of the total votes cast as was required by Maine law, the election was forwarded to the Maine legislature, who chose Garcelon as governor, despite the fact he came in last in the popular vote.[1]
General election
On election day, 9 September 1878, Democratic nominee Alonzo Garcelon won the election despite losing the popular vote by a margin of 28,336 votes against his foremost opponent incumbent Republican Governor Seldon Connor, thereby gaining Democratic control over the office of governor. Garcelon was sworn in as the 36th Governor of Maine on 8 January 1879.[2]
Results
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
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Democratic | Alonzo Garcelon | 28,218 | 22.36 | |
Republican | Seldon Connor (incumbent) | 56,554 | 44.82 | |
Greenback | Joseph L. Smith | 41,371 | 32.79 | |
Scattering | 36 | 0.03 | ||
Total votes | 126,179 | 100.00 | ||
Democratic gain from Republican |