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.

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1855 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

← 1854 November 6, 1855 (1855-11-06) 1856 →

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%

County results Gardner:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60% Rockwell:      30–40%      40–50% Beach:      30–40% Walley:      40–50%

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

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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.

• 1855 Massachusetts legislature