1866 Nebraska gubernatorial election

The 1866 Nebraska gubernatorial election was held on June 2, 1866, before Nebraska officially became a state. The Nebraska Constitution of 1866 specified that "the first election for Governor... shall be held on the second day of June, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six" in order to prepare for statehood. This election featured Republican nominee David Butler defeating Democratic nominee J. Sterling Morton to become the first Governor of the State of Nebraska.

Candidates

 * David Butler, Republican candidate
 * J. Sterling Morton, Democratic candidate

Aftermath
Although this election took place on June 2, 1866, Nebraska did not officially become a state until March 1, 1867. This meant that all officeholders elected under the Nebraska Constitution of 1866, including governor-elect David Butler, did not take office until after the transition period on March 27, 1867.