The 1872 Alabama gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 1872, in order to elect the governor of Alabama. Republican David P. Lewis, a former Democrat and Confederate deputy, narrowly defeated former Confederate Army officer Thomas H. Herndon of the Democratic party by a margin of 4.48%. This would be the last time until 1986 in which a Republican was elected governor of Alabama.

1872 Alabama gubernatorial election

← 1870 November 5, 1872 1874 →

Nominee David P. Lewis Thomas H. Herndon Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 89,868 81,371 Percentage 52.48% 47.52%

County results Lewis:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90% Herndon:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Governor before election Robert B. Lindsay Democratic Elected Governor David P. Lewis Republican