The 1806 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on 2 April 1806 in order to elect the Governor of Rhode Island. Federalist nominee Richard Jackson Jr. won a plurality of the vote against incumbent Democratic-Republican Governor Henry Smith and Democratic-Republican candidate and incumbent Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Peleg Arnold. However, as no candidate received a majority of the total votes cast as was required by Rhode Island law, the election was forwarded to the Rhode Island legislature. When the legislature was also unable to elect a Governor, it was decided that Democratic-Republican Lieutenant Governor-elect Isaac Wilbour would serve out the term as Acting Governor.[1][2]
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General election
On election day, 2 April 1806, Federalist nominee Richard Jackson Jr. led the field by a margin of 565 votes against his foremost opponent incumbent Democratic-Republican Governor Henry Smith. As he however didn't receive a majority of all votes cast, the race was ultimately awarded to Democratic-Republican Lieutenant Governor-elect Isaac Wilbour, who would serve out the term as Acting Governor, thereby retaining Democratic-Republican control over the office of Governor. Wilbour was sworn in as the Acting 6th Governor of Rhode Island on 7 May 1806.[3]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federalist | Richard Jackson Jr. | 1,662 | 43.07 | |
| Democratic-Republican | Henry Smith (incumbent) | 1,097 | 28.43 | |
| Democratic-Republican | Peleg Arnold | 1,094 | 28.35 | |
| Scattering | 6 | 0.15 | ||
| Total votes | 3,859 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic-Republican hold | ||||