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.

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.

Candidates

 * Erasmus Beach, former State Senator from Springfield (Democratic)
 * Henry J. Gardner, incumbent Governor (Native American)
 * Julius Rockwell, interim U.S. Senator (1854–55) (Republican)
 * Samuel H. Walley, U.S. Representative from Roxbury (Whig)