1898 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:1898 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election
Country:Pennsylvania
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1894 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1894
Next Election:1902 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election
Next Year:1902
Image1:File:William Alexis Stone.jpg
Nominee1:William A. Stone
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:476,206
Percentage1:49.01%
Nominee2:George A. Jenks
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:358,300
Percentage2:36.87%
Image3:File:Silas C Swallow 1904.jpg
Nominee3:Silas C. Swallow
Party3:Prohibition Party (United States)
Popular Vote3:132,931
Percentage3:13.68%
Map Size:250px
Governor
Before Election:Daniel H. Hastings
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:William A. Stone
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 1898 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1898. It featured a three-way campaign between major party candidates William Stone and George Jenks, as well as a strong showing by prohibitionist Silas Swallow.

Candidates

Prohibition

Democratic

Republican

Campaign

Entering the election, the Republican machine was strong but its leadership was divided. Although previous governor Daniel Hastings had tried to toe the line between the conservative and progressive wings of the party, he failed to impress either side. Party bosses Matthew Quay, a conservative, and John Wanamaker, a progressive, nominated candidates with the same last name but who were of no relation. In a close race, the conservatives prevailed, but the party had difficulty reuniting after William Stone defeated retired U.S. Army Colonel Charles W. Stone.http://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=1-A-3B6

Jenks' campaign had difficulty gaining traction from the start, and Stone was able to undercut some of Swallow's support by identifying with the temperance movement. Stone also did well by emphasizing his commitment to law and order, after labor strife had rocked the state during the previous governor's term.http://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=1-A-3B6

References