The1832 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on April 4, 1832, in order to elect thegovernor of Rhode Island.IncumbentNational Republican governorLemuel H. Arnold won a plurality of the vote against formerDemocratic-Republican governorJames Fenner and incumbentAnti-Masonic Speaker of theRhode Island House of RepresentativesWilliam Sprague III. However, as no candidate received a majority of the total votes cast as was required by Rhode Island law, run-offs were held until a candidate received a majority. Following fourrun-offs which were held on May 16, July 18, August 28 and November 21, no candidate was able to receive a majority. So Governor Arnold remained to serve as governor during the run-offs and in January 1833, theRhode Island state legislature formalized Governor Arnold's win as he had come in first place in every election and run-off that was held. This permitted him to continue on as governor until the end of the term on May 1, 1833.[1]
On election day, April 4, 1832, incumbentNational Republican governorLemuel H. Arnold won the election by a margin of 440 votes against his foremost opponent formerDemocratic-Republican governorJames Fenner. However, as no candidate had received a majority of the vote, several run-offs were held, all won by Governor Arnold but again without a majority. So theRhode Island state legislature formalized Governor Arnold's win in January 1833, and he was allowed to serve out the rest of the term. He thereby retainedNational Republican control over the office of governor. Arnold was sworn in for his second term on May 1, 1832, so he could remain as governor amidst the awaiting scheduled run-offs.[2]
