1916 Delaware gubernatorial election
The 1916 Delaware gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1916. Incumbent Republican Governor Charles R. Miller declined to run for re-election. At the time, the Republican Party was in the middle of a schism that had first developed during the 1912 presidential election.[1] However, the schism did not affect the gubernatorial nomination; though there were rumors that the state party convention might seek to nominate Governor Miller for a second term,[2] former State Representative John G. Townsend Jr. was seen as the frontrunner heading into the convention.[3] He received the nomination without much difficulty[4] and the Republican Party solidified around him its gubernatorial nominee.[1] The Democratic Party nominated former Secretary of State James H. Hughes, and both Townsend and Hughes advanced to the general election.
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Though President Woodrow Wilson had won Delaware in 1912 with a plurality, he narrowly lost it this year. Though the gubernatorial race was still close, Townsend outperformed Republican presidential nominee Charles Evans Hughes and defeated Hughes by a five-point margin, winning 52% of the vote to Hughes's 47%.
Both Townsend and Hughes would later serve in the United States Senate, and they would serve together as Delaware's two U.S Senators from 1937-1941. Townsend served from 1929-1941, while Hughes served from 1937-1943.
General election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | John G. Townsend Jr. | 26,673 | 52.08% | +5.13% | |
| Democratic | James H. Hughes | 24,053 | 46.96% | +2.66% | |
| Socialist | Frank A. Houck | 490 | 0.96% | -0.19% | |
| Majority | 2,620 | 5.12% | +2.46% | ||
| Turnout | 51,216 | 100.00% | |||
| Republican hold | |||||
References
- Munroe, John A. (2006). History of Delaware (5 ed.). Newark, Delaware.: University of Delaware Press. p. 182. ISBN 9780874139471.
- "Handy's Friends on Move in Kent". Evening Journal. Wilmington, Del. August 4, 1916. p. 1. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
- "Sussex County May Be in Control at Convention". News Journal. Wilmington, Del. August 17, 1916. p. 2. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
- "Machine Steam-Roller Works, Senator du Post Re-Nominated at Dover; Rumor of Third Ticket". Morning News. Wilmington, Del. August 23, 1916. pp. 1–2. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
- 1917 House Journal, p. 76-78
Bibliography
- Delaware House Journal, 96th General Assembly, 1st Reg. Sess. (1917).