1854 Iowa gubernatorial election

The 1854 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on 7 August 1854 in order to elect the Governor of Iowa. Whig nominee James W. Grimes defeated Democratic nominee Curtis Bates.

General election
On election day, 7 August 1854, Whig nominee James W. Grimes won the election by a margin of 2,120 votes against his opponent Democratic nominee Curtis Bates, thereby gaining Whig control over the office of Governor. Grimes was sworn in as the 3rd Governor of Iowa on 9 December 1854.