1859 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

The 1859 Massachusetts gubernatorial elections was held on November 2. Incumbent Republican Governor Nathaniel Banks was easily re-elected to a third term in office in a race featuring three Governors of Massachusetts: incumbent Governor Banks, former Governor George Nixon Briggs (1844–51), and future Governor Benjamin Franklin Butler (1882–83).

1859 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

November 2, 1859 (1859-11-02)

Nominee Nathaniel Banks Benjamin Butler George N. Briggs Party Republican Democratic Know Nothing Popular vote 58,804 35,326 14,365 Percentage 54.02% 32.45% 13.20%

County results Banks:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Nathaniel Prentiss Banks Republican Elected Governor Nathaniel Prentiss Banks Republican

General election

Candidates

• Nathaniel Prentiss Banks, incumbent Governor (Republican)
• George Nixon Briggs, former Governor of Massachusetts (1844–51) (American)
• Benjamin Franklin Butler, State Senator from Lowell (Democratic)

Results

1859 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Nathaniel Prentiss Banks (incumbent)	58,804	54.02%	3.59
	Democratic	Benjamin Franklin Butler	35,326	32.45%	0.33
	Know Nothing	George Nixon Briggs	14,365	13.20%	3.07
Total votes			108,140	100.00%
	Republican hold		Swing

See also

• 1859 Massachusetts legislature