1841 Tennessee gubernatorial election
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The 1841 Tennessee gubernatorial election was held on August 5, 1841, to elect the Governor of Tennessee. Incumbent Democratic Governor and future American President James K. Polk lost re-election against Whig nominee James C. Jones, thus becoming the first native-born Tennessean to be elected governor of the state.[1]
August 5, 1841
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 County results Jones: 50â60% 60â70% 70â80% 80â90% >90% Polk: 50â60% 60â70% 70â80% 70â80% 80â90% No data/No votes | |||||||||||||||||
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Former Whig Governor Newton Cannon wanted to run against Polk again, but Whig leaders instead nominated James C. Jones, thinking that Cannon would not be able to defeat Polk.[2]
General election
On election day, August 5, 1841, Whig nominee James C. Jones won the election by a margin of 3,243 votes against his Democratic opponent and incumbent Governor James K. Polk, thereby gaining Whig control over the office of Governor. Jones was sworn in as the 10th Governor of Tennessee on October 15, 1841.[3]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whig | James C. Jones | 53,586 | 51.56% | |
| Democratic | James K. Polk (incumbent) | 50,343 | 48.44% | |
| Total votes | 103,929 | 100.00% | ||
| Whig gain from Democratic | ||||