William A. Barstow Democratic Coles Bashford Republican The 1855 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1855.

Republican Party candidate Coles Bashford was declared the winner after a court challenge, defeating Democratic incumbent William A. Barstow.

Barstow was initially declared the winner of the election, having apparently received just over 50% of the vote.

[2][3] They alleged that Barstow's allies had created fraudulent election returns in several fake precincts in Wisconsin's northern counties.

Barstow ultimately did take office for the new term prior to the court rendering its decision that Bashford was the true winner.