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The 1861 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on 3 April 1861 in order to elect the Governor of Rhode Island. Incumbent Unionist Governor William Sprague IV won re-election against Republican nominee and former Mayor of Providence James Y. Smith.[1]
On election day, 3 April 1861, incumbent Unionist Governor William Sprague IV won re-election by a margin of 1,644 votes against his opponent Republican nominee James Y. Smith, thereby retaining Unionist control over the office of Governor. Sprague was sworn in for his second term on 5 May 1861.[2]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Unionist | William Sprague IV (incumbent) | 11,844 | 53.69 | |
Republican | James Y. Smith | 10,200 | 46.23 | |
Scattering | 18 | 0.08 | ||
Total votes | 22,062 | 100.00 | ||
Unionist hold |