| Election Name: | 1861 Iowa gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Iowa |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1859 Iowa gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 1859 |
| Next Election: | 1863 Iowa gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 1863 |
| Election Date: | 8 October 1861 |
| Nominee1: | Samuel J. Kirkwood |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 60,303 |
| Percentage1: | 55.48% |
| Nominee2: | William H. Merritt |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 43,245 |
| Percentage2: | 39.78% |
| Map Size: | 240px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Samuel J. Kirkwood |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Samuel J. Kirkwood |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
The 1861 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on 8 October 1861 in order to elect the Governor of Iowa. Incumbent Republican Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood was re-elected against Democratic nominee William H. Merritt and several other candidates.[1]
On election day, 8 October 1861, incumbent Republican Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood won re-election by a margin of 17,058 votes against his foremost opponent Democratic nominee William H. Merritt, thereby holding Republican control over the office of Governor. Kirkwood was sworn in for his second term on 3 January 1862.[2]