1849 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 nomianted John A. Quitman, a staunch defender of nullification, "state soverignty", and slavery. The Whigs nominated Luke Lea, who was also a defender of slavery but did not believe in secession. Though, many Whigs preferred Quitman. Quitman was elected governor by a wide margin, reflecting the political environment at the time.