October 26, 1846 – Iowa holds its first “state” election with three candidates running for governor: Ansel Briggs (Democrat), Thomas McKnight (Whig), and Robert Lucas (Independent).
Between 1838 and 1846, the Governor of Iowa Territory was appointed by the U.S. President. Now, as Iowa was preparing to become the 29th State in the Union, Iowans were anxious to elect their first governor. In September 1846, there were three candidates fighting for the position, and one month later – on October 26 – it all came down to a nail-biter, with the winner – Ansel Briggs – receiving 247 more votes than his closest competitor.
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