1872 Arkansas gubernatorial election

The 1872 Arkansas gubernatorial election was held on 5 November 1872, in order to elect the Governor of Arkansas. Republican nominee Elisha Baxter defeated Liberal Republican nominee Joseph Brooks. The results of the election led to the Brooks-Baxter War, in which Brooks unsuccessfully attempted to take control of the state government with force.

General election
On election day, 5 November 1872, Republican nominee Elisha Baxter won the election by a margin of 2,866 votes against his opponent Liberal Republican nominee Joseph Brooks, thereby retaining Republican control over the office of Governor. Baxter was sworn in as the 10th Governor of Arkansas on 6 January 1873. The results in Greene and Poinsett Counties were not counted and the results in Richland Township, Yell County were rejected. Scott County did not hold an election after the poll and registration books were stolen from the County Clerk's office.