The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 1838 was between two candidates. Incumbent Governor Joseph Ritner ran as an Anti-Masonic candidate. Ritner's defeat by Democrat David R. Porter prompted the Buckshot War. After the Pennsylvania state election of 1838, both the Whig and the Democratic parties claimed control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Two speakers were elected. A mob, largely from Philadelphia, assembled in Harrisburg and threatened violence. Thaddeus Stevens, Charles B. Penrose and Thomas H. Burrowes were forced to escape from the Senate chamber through a window.