The 1908 Delaware gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1908. Though some Republicans had interest in nominating incumbent Governor Preston Lea to a second term, the state convention instead named former State Senator Simeon S. Pennewill as the Republican nominee. In the general election, Pennewill faced Democratic nominee Rowland G. Paynter, a physician. Pennewill ultimately defeated Paynter by a relatively slim margin, continuing the Republican streak in Delaware gubernatorial elections.

General election

1908 Delaware gubernatorial election
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
RepublicanSimeon S. Pennewill24,90551.97%+0.56%
DemocraticRowland G. Paynter22,79447.56%+2.44%
SocialistJ. Frank Smith2250.47%+0.17%
Majority2,1114.40%−1.87%
Turnout47,924100.00%
Republican hold

Bibliography

  • Delaware Senate Journal, 92nd General Assembly, 1st Reg. Sess. (1909).