1839 Mississippi gubernatorial election

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1839 Mississippi gubernatorial election

The election was held on November 4, 1839, to choose the governor of Mississippi. Incumbent Democrat Alexander G. McNutt won reelection, defeating Whig Edward Turner. McNutt received 18,800 votes (54.3%), while Turner received 15,886 votes (45.7%).

During McNutt’s term, Mississippi faced a banking controversy tied to the Panic of 1837. In response to the economic crisis, the state chartered the Union Bank in 1838 and passed the Supplementary Act to boost its capital. The move worsened financial problems and drew blame toward banks, especially the Union Bank. The Democrats used anti-bank sentiment to help McNutt win reelection against the Whigs amid ongoing economic challenges.