1855 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

The 1855 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 6. Know-Nothing candidate Henry J. Gardner was re-elected to a second term as Governor in a multi-partisan race, defeating Republican Julius Rockwell and Democrat Erasmus Beach.

1855 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

← 1854 November 6, 1855 (1855-11-06) 1856 →
 
Nominee Henry J. Gardner Julius Rockwell
Party Know Nothing Republican
Popular vote 51,497 36,715
Percentage 37.73% 26.90%

 
Nominee Erasmus Beach Samuel H. Walley
Party Democratic Whig
Popular vote 34,728 13,296
Percentage 25.44% 9.74%

County results
Gardner:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%
Rockwell:      30–40%      40–50%
Beach:      30–40%
Walley:      40–50%

Governor before election

Henry J. Gardner
Know Nothing

Elected Governor

Henry J. Gardner
Know Nothing

This was the first election won by a direct plurality vote, after the majority requirement was abolished by the legislature on May 23. Gardner won without ratification by the General Court.

General election

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Candidates

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Results

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1855 Massachusetts gubernatorial election[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Know Nothing Henry J. Gardner (incumbent) 51,497 37.73%  24.85
Republican Julius Rockwell 36,715 26.90%  21.92
Democratic Erasmus D. Beach 34,728 25.44%  14.89
Whig Samuel H. Walley 13,296 9.74%  11.20
Scattering All others 252 0.19%  0.03
Total votes 136,488 100.00%
Know Nothing hold Swing

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Dubin, Michael J. (2003). United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1776-1860: The Official Results by State and County. Jefferson: McFarland & Company. p. 118. ISBN 9780786414390.