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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.

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

Candidates

Results

1855 Massachusetts gubernatorial election[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Know Nothing Henry J. Gardner (incumbent) 51,497 37.73% Decrease24.85
Republican Julius Rockwell 36,715 26.90% Increase21.92
Democratic Erasmus D. Beach 34,728 25.44% Increase14.89
Whig Samuel H. Walley 13,296 9.74% Decrease11.20
Scattering All others 252 0.19% Decrease0.03
Total votes 136,488 100.00%
Know Nothing hold Swing

See also

References

  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.
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