1912 Delaware gubernatorial election

The 1912 Delaware gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1912. Though Republican Governor Simeon S. Pennewill was eligible for re-election, State Senator Charles R. Miller was nominated by the state Republican convention.[1] With the nationwide rise of the Progressive Party, Delaware Republicans were keen to not lose the race due to a strong showing by a Progressive candidate; Miller was seen as amenable to all factions of the Republican Party and to Progressives.[2] In the general election, Miller faced Democratic nominee Thomas M. Monaghan,[3] who had been elected as State Senate President in a majority-Republican chamber as the result of a coalition agreement with Progressives,[4] and Progressive nominee George B. Hynson.[5]

1912 Delaware gubernatorial election

← 1908 November 5, 1912 1916 →
 
Nominee Charles R. Miller Thomas M. Monaghan George B. Hynson
Party Republican Democratic Progressive
Popular vote 22,745 21,460 3,019
Percentage 46.95% 44.30% 6.23%

County results

Miller:      40–50%

Monaghan:      40–50%

Governor before election

Simeon S. Pennewill
Republican

Elected Governor

Charles R. Miller
Republican

With three strong candidates running, the general election was close. Miller ended up narrowly winning, continuing the Republicans' winning streak in the state, but he defeated Monaghan by only 1,285 votes, winning with a bare plurality. Miller received 47% of the vote to Monaghan's 44% and Hynson's 6%.

General election

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1912 Delaware gubernatorial election[6]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Charles R. Miller 22,745 46.95% −5.01%
Democratic Thomas M. Monaghan 21,460 44.30% −3.26%
Progressive George B. Hynson 3,019 6.23%
Prohibition John Heyd 662 1.37%
Socialist Norman L. Rearick 555 1.15% +0.68%
Majority 1,285 2.65% −1.75%
Turnout 48,441 100.00%
Republican hold

References

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  1. ^ "Charles R. Miller for Governor and George M. Hall for Congress, to Head Winning Republican Ticket". Evening Journal. Wilmington, Del. August 21, 1912. pp. 1–2. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  2. ^ "Popular Rule the Desire of the Republican State Convention". Evening Journal. Wilmington, Del. August 20, 1912. p. 9. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  3. ^ "Monaghan, With Aid of Sussex County, Wins the Democratic Governorship Fight". Evening Journal. Wilmington, Del. September 11, 1912. pp. 1, 6. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  4. ^ "Third Party Men of Delaware to Hold Convention". Morning News. Wilmington, Del. July 15, 1912. p. 1. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  5. ^ "Progressives Name a Ticket". News Journal. Wilmington, Del. September 12, 1912. pp. 1, 5. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  6. ^ 1913 Senate Journal, p. 126-26

Bibliography

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  • Delaware Senate Journal, 94th General Assembly, 1st Reg. Sess. (1913).