1859 Iowa gubernatorial election

The 1859 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on 11 October 1859 in order to elect the Governor of Iowa. Republican nominee and incumbent Iowa Senate member Samuel J. Kirkwood defeated Democratic nominee and former United States Ambassador to Spain Augustus C. Dodge.

General election
On election day, 11 October 1859, Republican nominee Samuel J. Kirkwood won the election by a margin of 3,200 votes against his opponent Democratic nominee Augustus C. Dodge, thereby holding Republican control over the office of Governor. Kirkwood was sworn in as the 5th Governor of Iowa on 11 January 1860.