1898 New York gubernatorial election
November 8, 1898
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County results Roosevelt:
40–50%
50–60%
60–70%
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| Elections in New York |
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The 1898 New York gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1898. Incumbent Republican Governor Frank S. Black was defeated for re-nomination by Theodore Roosevelt, the former United States Assistant Secretary of the Navy and a returning hero of the Spanish–American War. In the general election, Roosevelt narrowly defeated judge Augustus Van Wyck.
Roosevelt outmaneuvered party bosses, particularly U.S. senator Thomas C. Platt, by leveraging his personal popularity and a threat to run as an independent reform candidate. After cornering the bosses, he secured the Republican nomination over incumbent Frank S. Black at the state convention.
As governor, Roosevelt pursued progressive reforms and continued to present an obstacle to boss rule. To remove him from Albany, Platt maneuvered to have Roosevelt nominated as President William McKinley's running mate in 1900, against the governor's wishes. He was elected and became president on September 14, 1901 after McKinley was assassinated.