Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Election of 1877
The general election held on November 6, 1877, marked a significant shift in the executive leadership of Wisconsin. The race for the office of lieutenant governor saw a competitive battle between the state's primary political factions, ultimately resulting in a change of party control.
Key Facts
- Election Date: November 6, 1877.
- Winner: James M. Bingham (Republican).
- Margin of Victory: 6,270 votes.
- Outcome: Republican gain from Democratic control.
- Inauguration: January 7, 1878.
The Path to Victory
The contest was primarily a duel between the Republican nominee, James M. Bingham, and the Democratic nominee, Romanzo E. Davis. In a closely contested race, Bingham secured the victory by a margin of 6,270 votes, effectively reclaiming the office for the Republican Party.
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Following his victory, James M. Bingham was officially sworn in as the 13th lieutenant governor of Wisconsin on January 7, 1878.
Election Results and Analysis
While the two major parties dominated the race, the 1877 election also featured candidates from the Greenback Party—a political movement that advocated for the issuance of paper money to help debtors—and an Independent candidate. A small number of scattering votes were also recorded.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | James M. Bingham | 77,926 | 43.78 |
| Democratic | Romanzo E. Davis | 71,656 | 40.25 |
| Greenback | E. H. Benton | 25,745 | 14.46 |
| Independent | B. H. Brown | 2,165 | 1.22 |
| Scattering | N/A | 515 | 0.29 |
| Total | All Candidates | 178,007 | 100.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1877 Wisconsin lieutenant governor election?
Republican nominee James M. Bingham won the election.
By how many votes did James M. Bingham defeat Romanzo E. Davis?
Bingham won by a margin of 6,270 votes.
When was James M. Bingham sworn into office?
He was sworn in as the 13th lieutenant governor of Wisconsin on January 7, 1878.
Which third-party candidate received the most votes?
E. H. Benton of the Greenback Party received the most third-party votes, totaling 25,745 (14.46%).
What was the total voter turnout for this election?
The total number of votes cast was 178,007.