The 1848–49 Massachusetts gubernatorial election consisted of an initial popular election held on November 13, 1848 that was followed by a legislative vote held on January 8, 1949. Incumbent Whig Governor George N. Briggs was reelected.
Democratic nomination The Democratic convention was held on September 6, 1848, at Worcester City Hall.
Results
Whig nomination The Whig convention was held on September 13, 1848, at Worcester. Governor George N. Briggs and Lieutenant Governor John Reed Jr. were re-nominated by acclamation.
General election Candidates George N. Briggs, Whig, incumbent governor Caleb Cushing, Democratic, former U.S. representative, former U.S. minister to China Stephen C. Phillips, Free Soil, former U.S. representative, former mayor of Salem, Massachusetts Frederick Robinson, Independent Democrat, warden of the Massachusetts State Prison, former president of the Massachusetts Senate
Results
Legislative election As no candidate received a majority of the vote, the Massachusetts General Court was required to decide the election. Under Article III of the Constitution of Massachusetts, the House of Representatives chose two candidates from the top four vote-getters, the Senate electing the governor from the House's choice.
The legislative election was held on January 8, 1849.
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