1877 Lieutenant Governor Election
The general election held on November 6, 1877, served as a critical contest for the office of lieutenant governor. The race featured a battle between the incumbent Republican administration and a challenging Democratic platform, alongside a smaller presence from the Prohibition Party.
Key Facts
- Election Date: November 6, 1877.
- Winner: James Wakefield (Republican).
- Margin of Victory: 18,101 votes.
- Total Votes Cast: 93,939.
- Outcome: Republican hold of the office.
The Candidates
The election featured three primary candidates representing distinct political ideologies of the era:
- James Wakefield: The Republican incumbent seeking re-election.
- Albert Alonzo Ames: The Democratic nominee and the Mayor of Minneapolis.
- Phineas A. Jewell: A horticulturist representing the Prohibition Party, which advocated for the legal ban of alcohol.
Election Results and Analysis
The Republican Party maintained its control over the office as James Wakefield secured a decisive victory. Wakefield garnered 58.92% of the total vote, comfortably defeating his closest rival, Albert Alonzo Ames, who received 39.65%.
The Prohibition Party, led by Phineas A. Jewell, captured a small fraction of the electorate with 1.43% of the vote. A negligible number of scattering votes—votes cast for candidates not officially nominated by a party—were also recorded.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | James Wakefield | 55,346 | 58.92% |
| Democratic | Albert Alonzo Ames | 37,245 | 39.65% |
| Prohibition | Phineas A. Jewell | 1,346 | 1.43% |
| Scattering | N/A | 2 | 0.00% |
Inauguration
Following his victory on November 6, James Wakefield was officially sworn in for his second term on January 7, 1878, ensuring continuity in the Republican leadership of the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1877 lieutenant governor election?
James Wakefield, the Republican incumbent, won the election.
What was the margin of victory for James Wakefield?
Wakefield won by a margin of 18,101 votes over the Democratic nominee.
Who was the Democratic candidate in the race?
The Democratic nominee was Albert Alonzo Ames, who was serving as the Mayor of Minneapolis at the time.
Which third party participated in the election?
The Prohibition Party participated, with horticulturist Phineas A. Jewell as their candidate.
When was the winner sworn into office?
James Wakefield was sworn in for his second term on January 7, 1878.