The 1859 Texas gubernatorial election was held on August 1, 1859, to elect the governor of Texas. Incumbent Democratic Governor Hardin Richard Runnels was running for reelection, but was defeated by Sam Houston, who received 57% of the vote.

1859 Texas gubernatorial election

← 1857 August 1, 1859 1861 →

Nominee Sam Houston Hardin R. Runnels Party Independent Democratic Popular vote 36,227 27,500 Percentage 56.8% 43.1%

County Results [1] Houston   50-60%   60-70%   70-80%   80-90%   >90% Runnels   50-60%   60-70%   70-80%   80-90%   >90% Tie    Unknown/No Vote

Governor before election Hardin R. Runnels Democratic Elected Governor Sam Houston Independent

Runnels was the only person to defeat Sam Houston in a political campaign, beating him in the previous election of 1857 on a Democratic ticket. Indian attacks, the border raids of Juan Cortina, and sectional factionalism were likely factors which lead to Runnels defeat in 1859.^[2] During the election, Houston attacked Runnels by criticizing the latter's inadequate protection of the frontier, highlighting Runnels’ wishes to see the slave trade reopened, and reminding voters of the governor's preference for secession. Sam Houston's victory in the race was hailed as a tribute to Unionism as it occurred in one of the most pro-slavery states in the Union.^[3] Unfortunately, it was Houston's last political position as in 1861 he was removed from the governorship by the new Secessionist government.