1859 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

Gubernatorial elections were held in Massachusetts on November 2, 1859. 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

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%

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

General election

Democratic

• Benjamin Franklin Butler, State Senator from Lowell

Republican

• Nathaniel Prentiss Banks, incumbent Governor

American (Know-Nothing)

• George Nixon Briggs, former Governor of Massachusetts (1844–51)

Results

1859 Massachusetts gubernatorial election[1]

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
	Scattering	All others	355	0.33%	0.19
Total votes			108,495	100.00%
	Republican hold		Swing

References

1. "1859 Massachusetts governor results".