1861 Mississippi gubernatorial election

1861 Mississippi gubernatorial election

← 1859 October 7, 1861 1863 →

Nominee John J. Pettus Jacob Thompson Party Democratic Democratic Popular vote 30,169 3,556 Percentage 88.1% 10.4%

Governor before election John J. Pettus Democratic Elected Governor Charles Clark Democratic

The 1861 Mississippi gubernatorial election was held on October 7, 1861, to elect the governor of Mississippi. Incumbent Governor John J. Pettus, a Democrat, won against Democrat Jacob Thompson and moderate Democrat Madison McAfee.^[1]

Amid the start of the Civil War, Governor John J. Pettus faced internal party challenges and criticisms for military handling. Despite discontent and potential withdrawal, Pettus persisted with the campaign. Mobilization orders in September eased criticisms, leading to Pettus winning re-election in October with overwhelming support, securing victory in almost every county.