1797 Virginia gubernatorial election
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A gubernatorial election was held in Virginia on December 7, 1797.[3] The incumbent governor of Virginia James Wood defeated the U.S. representative from Virginia's 12th congressional district John Page.[1]
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November 30, 1797
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Wood had earned the displeasure of his fellow Democratic-Republicans for his inaction in the face of the Alien and Sedition Acts. Some Democratic-Republicans preferred to support the former U.S. minister to France James Monroe, an outspoken critic of the legislation. Monroe, however, declined to challenge Wood, in deference to the custom that incumbent governors eligible for re-election be allowed to run unopposed.[4]
The election was conducted by the Virginia General Assembly in joint session.[2] Wood was elected with a majority on the first ballot.[1]
General election
| Candidate | First ballot | |
|---|---|---|
| Count | Percent | |
| James Wood | 116 | 75.32 |
| John Page | 38 | 24.68 |
Total |
154 |
100.00 |