- Source: 1849 Mississippi gubernatorial election
- 1849 Mississippi gubernatorial election
- 2023 Mississippi gubernatorial election
- 2019 Mississippi gubernatorial election
- 2011 Mississippi gubernatorial election
- 1999 Mississippi gubernatorial election
- 1987 Mississippi gubernatorial election
- 2027 Mississippi gubernatorial election
- 1991 Mississippi gubernatorial election
- 2015 Mississippi gubernatorial election
- 1995 Mississippi gubernatorial election
The 1849 Mississippi gubernatorial election was held on November 1, 1849, to elect the governor of Mississippi. John A. Quitman, a Democrat won against Whig Luke Lea, future Commissioner of Indian Affairs in the Department of Interior.
Background
Debates over slavery and state rights continued to dominate the Mississippi political scene. Political leaders called for the defense of slavery and the necessity of secession if further encroachment on the institution of slavery occurred.
General election
Incumbent Governor Joseph Matthews announced he would not run for reelection. The Democrats unanimously nominated John A. Quitman, a staunch defender of nullification, "state sovereignty", and slavery. The Whigs nominated Luke Lea, who was also a defender of slavery but did not believe in secession. However, many Whigs preferred Quitman. Quitman was elected governor by a wide margin, reflecting the political environment at the time.