John M. Palmer Republican Richard J. Oglesby Republican The 1872 Illinois gubernatorial election was the fifteenth election for this office.

Republican nominee, Former Governor Richard J. Oglesby defeated the Democratic and Liberal Republican nominee Gustavus Koerner.

B. G. Wright represented Independent Democrats unwilling to ally with Liberal Republicans.

Oglesby had agreed to run for the Governorship but to resign upon being elected so that Lt.

Governor John Lourie Beveridge could assume the office.