1855 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

Gubernatorial elections were held in Massachusetts on November 6, 1855. 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

November 6, 1855

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%

Governor before election Henry J. Gardner Know Nothing Elected Governor Henry J. Gardner Know Nothing

This was the first election in which the new Republican Party fielded a candidate. This was also 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

Democratic

• Erasmus Beach

Republican

• Julius Rockwell, interim U.S. Senator (1854–55)

Native American (Know-Nothing)

• Henry J. Gardner, incumbent Governor

Whig

• Samuel H. Walley, U.S. Representative from Roxbury

Results

1855 Massachusetts gubernatorial election[1]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Know Nothing	Henry J. Gardner	51,497	37.73%	24.85
	Republican	Julius Rockwell	36,715	26.90%	New
	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

References

1. "1855 Massachusetts governor results".