1827 Virginia gubernatorial special election

A gubernatorial special election was held in Virginia on February 10, 1827. The member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Amelia County William Branch Giles defeated the member from Albemarle County Hugh Nelson and the U.S. representative from Virginia's 20th congressional district John Floyd.

The incumbent governor of Virginia John Tyler resigned effective March 4, 1827, following his election to the United States Senate. The election was conducted by the Virginia General Assembly in joint session. Floyd formally declined to run, after which the race narrowed to between Giles and Nelson. Giles's supporters praised his opposition to internal improvements and his hostility to the national Adams administration, while Nelson was celebrated as an Old Republican of the "School of '98." All three candidates were "opposition men" and Jacksonians. Giles was elected with a majority on the first ballot.