The 1870 Nebraska gubernatorial election was held on October 11, 1870.[a] Two-term incumbent Governor of Nebraska David Butler, the Republican nominee, was seeking a third term as governor. He was opposed by Democratic nominee John H. Croxton, a lawyer from Nebraska City.[3]
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General election
Candidates
- David Butler, Republican candidate, incumbent Governor of Nebraska[3]
- John H. Croxton, Democratic candidate, lawyer and former city attorney of Nebraska City[4]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | David Butler | 11,126 | 56.27% | ||
| Democratic | John H. Croxton | 8,648 | 43.73% | ||
| Total votes | 19,774 | 100.0% | |||
| Republican hold | |||||
Aftermath
Shortly after David Butler took office for his third term in 1871, eleven articles of impeachment were filed against him by the Nebraska Legislature. Eventually Butler was removed from office on June 2, 1871, and William H. James took over as acting Governor.[6]