1871 Kentucky gubernatorial election

The 1871 Kentucky gubernatorial election was held on August 7, 1871. Incumbent Democrat Preston Leslie defeated Republican nominee John Marshall Harlan with 58.61% of the vote.

1871 Kentucky gubernatorial election

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Nominee Preston Leslie John Marshall Harlan Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 126,445 89,298 Percentage 58.61% 41.39%

County results Leslie:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Harlan:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Governor before election Preston Leslie Democratic Elected Governor Preston Leslie Democratic

General election

Candidates

• Preston Leslie, Democratic^[1]
• John Marshall Harlan, Republican^[1]

Campaigning

The two candidates campaigned in a somewhat unusual fashion. They traveled together, often speaking to the same audiences on the same stages^[2] where they debated.^[3] They were personally cordial and often shared lodging during the campaign.^[2]

The gubernatorial election was the first in Kentucky since Black suffrage.^[2]

Results

1871 Kentucky gubernatorial election^[4]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Preston Leslie (incumbent)	126,445	58.61%	−23.03%
	Republican	John Marshall Harlan	89,298	41.39%	+23.03%
Majority			37,147
Turnout
	Democratic hold		Swing