1840 Virginia gubernatorial election

A gubernatorial election was held in Virginia on February 11, 1840. The Whig speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Thomas Walker Gilmer defeated the Democratic former member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Rockbridge County James McDowell.^[1]

The Whigs were the largest party in the legislature following the 1839 state elections, while the Conservatives held the balance of power despite losing 11 seats. Both parties determined to cooperate in the gubernatorial election in order to defeat the Democratic candidate.^[2] A caucus of the Democratic members of the legislature met prior to the election and nominated McDonnell,^[3] who was popular with voters in Western Virginia. McConnell had previously sought to succeed William Cabell Rives in the United States Senate, but lost his bid for the Democratic nomination due to his past support for the abolition of slavery.^[4]

The election was conducted by the Virginia General Assembly in joint session. No candidate had a majority on the first ballot, requiring eight consecutive rounds of voting. Gilmer was elected with a majority on the eighth ballot.^[5]