October 29, 1846 – Three days after Iowa’s general election for our first state governor, The Burlington Hawk-Eye announces that there is no clear winner.

The general election was held on October 26, 1846, and just as predicted, it was a razor-close finish. it wasn’t until December 3, 1846 – Inauguration Day, when the Iowa Legislature – meeting in Iowa City – announced the final results – Ansel Briggs won the election in a very close race – 7,626 for Briggs, 7,379 for Thomas McKnight – a narrow margin of 247 votes!

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