1853–54 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

The 1853–54 Massachusetts gubernatorial election consisted of an initial popular held on November 14, 1853, which was followed by a legislative vote that was conducted on January 9, 1854, which elected Whig Party nominee Emory Washburn. The ultimate task of electing the governor had been placed before the Massachusetts General Court because no candidate received the majority of the vote required for a candidate to be elected through the popular election.

1853–54 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

November 14, 1853 (1853-11-14) (popular election)
January 9, 1854 (1854-01-09) (legislative vote)
 
Nominee Emory Washburn Bradford L. Wales
Party Whig Independent Democrat
Popular election 59,224
(45.94%)
5,477
(4.25%)
Senate vote 29
(100%)
0
0.00%

 
Nominee Henry W. Bishop Henry Wilson
Party Democratic Free Soil
Popular election 35,086
(27.22%)
29,020
(22.51%)

Governor before election

John H. Clifford
Whig

Elected Governor

Emory Washburn
Whig

Whig Governor John H. Clifford declined to run for a second term in office. Emory Washburn won the race to succeed him. Because no candidate received a majority of the vote, the legislature selected Washburn as the winner.

This was the last time that the legislature elected the governor of Massachusetts, as the popular majority requirement was removed from the Constitution of Massachusetts in 1855. This was also the last election in which the Free Soil Party was a major factor; it was effectively supplanted by the Republican Party in 1854.

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