1876 Illinois gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:1876 Illinois gubernatorial election
Country:Illinois
Type:presidential
Ongoing:Yes
Previous Election:1872 Illinois gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1872
Next Election:1880 Illinois gubernatorial election
Next Year:1880
Election Date:November 6, 1876
Nominee1:Shelby Moore Cullom
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:279,263
Percentage1:50.58%
Nominee2:Lewis Steward
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:272,465
Percentage2:49.35%
Map Size:300px
Governor
Before Election:John Lourie Beveridge
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Shelby Moore Cullom
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 1876 Illinois gubernatorial election was the sixteenth election for this office. Representative Shelby Moore Cullom narrowly defeated businessman Lewis Steward for the Governorship of Illinois. This was the narrowest victory for a Republican Governor since 1856, when William H. Bissell narrowly won the office in a plurality. Cullom's victory was the sixth consecutive victory for the Republican Party. Cullom also slightly overperformed Republican candidate Rutherford B. Hayes in the concurrent Presidential election.

Republican Andrew Shuman was elected Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. 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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