From the time the state was created until the election of 1966, governors were elected to two-year terms. Elections are held in November and the governor took office the next January. Until 1851, elections were held in odd-numbered years. A new state constitution was created in 1850 and took effect in 1851. Because of this, there was a single one-year term of governor in 1851. After this, elections were held on even years.