| Election Name: | 1856 Rhode Island gubernatorial election |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1855 Rhode Island gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 1855 |
| Next Election: | 1857 Rhode Island gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 1857 |
| Election Date: | 2 April 1856 |
| Nominee1: | William W. Hoppin |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 9,865 |
| Percentage1: | 57.95% |
| Nominee2: | Americus V. Potter |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 7,131 |
| Percentage2: | 41.89% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | William W. Hoppin |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | William W. Hoppin |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
The 1856 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on 2 April 1856 in order to elect the Governor of Rhode Island. Incumbent Republican Governor William W. Hoppin won re-election against Democratic nominee Americus V. Potter in a rematch from the 1855 Rhode Island gubernatorial election.[1]
Incumbent Whig Governor William W. Hoppin had changed parties before the election and had instead joined the Republican party, by being the incumbent Governor, Hoppin's quickly became the Republican nominee for re-election. On election day, 2 April 1856, incumbent Republican Governor William W. Hoppin won re-election by a margin of 2,734 votes against his Democratic opponent Americus V. Potter, thereby retaining Republican control over the office of Governor. Hoppin was sworn in for his third term on 26 May 1856.[2]