1872 Illinois gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:1872 Illinois gubernatorial election
Country:Illinois
Type:presidential
Ongoing:Yes
Previous Election:1868 Illinois gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1868
Next Election:1876 Illinois gubernatorial election
Next Year:1876
Election Date:November 5, 1872
Image1:Richard James Oglesby - Brady-Handy (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:Richard J. Oglesby
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:237,774
Percentage1:54.41%
Nominee2:Gustavus Koerner
Party2:Liberal Republican Party (United States)
Alliance2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:197,084
Percentage2:45.10%
Map Size:300px
Governor
Before Election:John M. Palmer
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Richard J. Oglesby
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 1872 Illinois gubernatorial election was the fifteenth election for this office. Republican nominee, Former Governor Richard J. Oglesby defeated the Democratic and Liberal Republican nominee Gustavus Koerner. B. G. Wright represented Independent Democrats unwilling to ally with Liberal Republicans. Oglesby had agreed to run for the Governorship but to resign upon being elected so that Lt. Governor John Lourie Beveridge could assume the office. Oglesby was in turn appointed to the U.S. Senate.

At this time in Illinois history, the Lieutenant Governor was elected on a separate ballot from the governor. This would remain so until the 1970 constitution.

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