The 1856 Massachusetts gubernatorial election on November 4. Incumbent Know-Nothing Governor Henry J. Gardner was re-elected to a third term. He benefited greatly from a deal with the state's new Republican Party, which agreed not to field a candidate in exchange for Gardner's support of presidential nominee John C. Frémont. With no serious challenger in the field against him, Gardner easily defeated Democrat Erasmus Beach and George W. Gordon, an American Party member running in support of the national ticket.

Quick Facts Nominee, Party ...

1856 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

← 1855 November 4, 1856 (1856-11-04) 1857 →

Nominee Henry J. Gardner Erasmus Beach George W. Gordon Party Know Nothing Democratic Know Nothing Alliance Republican Popular vote 92,467 40,082 10,385 Percentage 58.92% 25.54% 6.62%

County results Gardner:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

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

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This was the last election in which the Whig Party participated.

The American Party convention was held at Faneuil Hall, Boston, on July 24, 1856.

• 1856 Massachusetts legislature