1872 Arkansas gubernatorial election

The 1872 Arkansas gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1872, in order to elect the Governor of Arkansas. Republican nominee Elisha Baxter defeated Joseph Brooks, who was nominated by the [Liberal Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party (United States)|Liberal Republican]-affiliated state Reform Party. The results of the election led to the Brooks-Baxter War, in which Brooks unsuccessfully attempted to take control of the state government with force.

Democratic primary

Declined

Augustus Garland, attorney who had served as delegate to the Arkansas Secession Convention, Provisional Confederate Congress, and in the Congress of the Confederate States

General election

On election day, November 5, 1872, Republican nominee Elisha Baxter won the election by a margin of 2,866 votes against his opponent Liberal Republican nominee Joseph Brooks, thereby retaining Republican control over the office of Governor. Democrats did not nominate a candidate and many supported Baxter. Baxter was sworn in as the 10th Governor of Arkansas on January 6, 1873. The results in Greene and Poinsett Counties were not counted and the results in Richland Township, Yell County were rejected. Scott County did not hold an election after the poll and registration books were stolen from the County Clerk's office.