1861 Iowa gubernatorial election

The 1861 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on October 8, 1861, in order to elect the governor of Iowa. Incumbent Republican governor Samuel J. Kirkwood was re-elected against Democratic nominee William H. Merritt and several other candidates.

General election

On election day, October 8, 1861, incumbent Republican governor Samuel J. Kirkwood won re-election by a margin of 17,058 votes against his foremost opponent Democratic nominee William H. Merritt, thereby holding Republican control over the office of governor. Kirkwood was sworn in for his second term on January 3, 1862.