1855 Ohio gubernatorial election

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1855 Ohio gubernatorial election

The race was held on October 9, 1855. The incumbent Democratic Governor William Medill had become governor in 1853 after Reuben Wood resigned to take a U.S. consul post. This election tested the new Republican Party, a coalition of anti-slavery forces from former Democrats and Whigs. The contest involved three governors: Allen Trimble, who had served in the 1820s; William Medill, the sitting governor; and Salmon Chase, who would succeed Medill.

Candidates:
- Salmon Chase, Republican
- William Medill, Democratic
- Allen Trimble, Know Nothing

Results:
- Salmon Chase: 146,770 votes (48.59%)
- William Medill: 131,019 votes (43.37%)
- Allen Trimble: 24,276 votes (8.04%)

Chase won with a plurality, aided by Trimble’s spoiler candidacy. Chase became governor, and the election helped the Republican Party dominate Ohio politics for decades.