1859 Kansas gubernatorial election

The 1859 Kansas gubernatorial election was held on December 6, 1859, in order to elect the first Governor of Kansas upon Kansas acquiring statehood on January 29, 1861. Republican nominee and former member of the California Assembly from the 12th district Charles L. Robinson defeated Democratic nominee and incumbent Territorial Governor of Kansas Samuel Medary.

General election
On election day, December 6, 1859, Republican nominee Charles L. Robinson won the election by a margin of 2,447 votes against his opponent Democratic nominee Samuel Medary, thereby gaining Republican control over the new office of Governor. Robinson was sworn in as the 1st Governor of the new state of Kansas on February 1, 1861.