| Election Name: | 1859 Iowa gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Iowa |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1857 Iowa gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 1857 |
| Next Election: | 1861 Iowa gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 1861 |
| Election Date: | 11 October 1859 |
| Nominee1: | Samuel J. Kirkwood |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 56,532 |
| Percentage1: | 51.46% |
| Nominee2: | Augustus C. Dodge |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 53,332 |
| Percentage2: | 48.54% |
| Map Size: | 240px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Ralph P. Lowe |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Samuel J. Kirkwood |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
The 1859 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on 11 October 1859 in order to elect the Governor of Iowa. Republican nominee and incumbent Iowa Senate member Samuel J. Kirkwood defeated Democratic nominee and former United States Ambassador to Spain Augustus C. Dodge.[1]
On election day, 11 October 1859, Republican nominee Samuel J. Kirkwood won the election by a margin of 3,200 votes against his opponent Democratic nominee Augustus C. Dodge, thereby holding Republican control over the office of Governor. Kirkwood was sworn in as the 5th Governor of Iowa on 11 January 1860.[2]