The 1889 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on April 3, 1889. Democratic nominee John W. Davis received 49.38% of the vote and the Republican nominee Herbert W. Ladd 39.13%. With no candidate attaining a majority of the vote it was decided by the Rhode Island General Assembly.[1] In the same election, the Republican Party had won a small majority in the legislature and selected Ladd as Governor.[2][3]
^"The State Election". Providence Journal. April 4, 1889. The returns from the State election show that there has been no choice for Governor by the people, John W. Davis failing to receive a majority over the combined opposition by about 700. This throws the election into the General Assembly, the political complexion of which is undecided...
^"Monday, April 8, 1889". Providence Journal. April 8, 1889. Saturday's elections indicate that the Republicans will have a small majority when the next Legislature meets in grand committee, and therefore the gentleman who received the largest number of votes at the polls last Wednesday will be the next Governor of Rhode Island.
^"Inauguration". Providence Journal. May 29, 1889.
