1926 Ohio gubernatorial election

The 1926 Ohio gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1926. Republican nominee Harry C. Smith narrowly defeated incumbent Alvin V. Donahey with 50.90% of the vote.

Much of the election was animated by the legacy of President Cox's anti-Klan programs, many of which were quite effective at targeting the Klan's midwestern cells. Resultingly, both Democrats and Republicans garnered the support of the Cox administration in an effort to limit the power and influence of the Klan, the campaign made its way to Ohio through the Cox administration's begrudging support for Smith and his candidacy against Donahey. The election was also notable due to the fact Smith was the first African American to ever be elected governor of Ohio.

Candidates
Major party candidates


 * A. Victor Donahey, Democratic
 * Myers Y. Cooper, Republican

Other candidates


 * Joseph Sharts, Socialist
 * Walter Freeman, Socialist Labor