The 1859 Louisiana gubernatorial election was the third election to take place under the Louisiana Constitution of 1852. Democrat Thomas Overton Moore ran against Know Nothing Thomas J. Wells for the position of Governor of Louisiana. Both men were friends and neighbors from Rapides Parish.[1] Neither candidate actively campaigned and Moore went on vacation for a month during election season.[1] The Democrat Moore won by a wide margin, and he would go on to lead his state in the 1860-61 secession crisis and the early years of the Civil War.

Results

Popular Vote[2]

Party Candidate Votes received Percentage
Democratic Thomas Overton Moore 16,306 60.15%
Know Nothing Thomas Jefferson Wells 10,805 39.85%
Total Vote 27,111
Preceded by
1855 Louisiana gubernatorial election		 Louisiana gubernatorial elections Succeeded by
1863 Louisiana gubernatorial election (Confederate)

References

  1. 1 2 Yearns, W. Buck, ed. (1985). The Confederate Governors. University of Georgia Press. p. 93.
  2. ↑ Jeanne Frois. 2006. Louisiana Almanac, 2006–2007 Edition. Gretna, La: Pelican Pub. Co. p.547
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1859_Louisiana_gubernatorial_election