1872 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
November 5, 1872
 
Nominee William B. Washburn Francis W. Bird
Party Republican Liberal Republican
Alliance Democratic
Popular vote 133,900 59,626
Percentage 69.10% 30.77%
Governor before election

William B. Washburn
Republican

 Elected Governor

William B. Washburn
Republican

The 1872 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1872. Republican governor William B. Washburn was re-elected to a second term in office over businessman Francis W. Bird, a Liberal Republican nominated with support of the Democratic Party.[1]

Republican nomination

Candidates

Convention

With an incumbent seeking re-election, the Republican convention was far less contentious than the open race of 1871.[2] Nevertheless, supporters of Benjamin F. Butler placed his name in opposition to Washburn and a vote was taken.

1872 Massachusetts Republican Convention[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William B. Washburn (incumbent) 563 67.10%
Republican Benjamin Butler 259 30.87%
Republican Scattering 17 2.03%
Total votes 839 100.00%

Washburn's renomination was then made unanimous. A subsequent inquiry found that Butler's totals were inflated by "ballot-stuffing and other improper devices."[2] In the only other contested race, Thomas Talbot defeated Elijah B. Stoddard by 643 to 395 for lieutenant governor.[2]

General election

Results

1872 Massachusetts gubernatorial election[3][4]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican William B. Washburn (incumbent) 133,900 69.10% Increase14.18
Liberal Republican Francis W. Bird 59,626 30.77% N/A
Write-in 254 0.13% Decrease0.12
Total votes 193,780 100.00%

    See also

    References

    1. ↑ Biographical History of Massachusetts - Biographies and Autobiographies of the Leading men in the State (PDF). 1913. pp. 43–44.
    2. 1 2 3 4 "MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICANS: Results of the State Convention Renomination of Gov. Washburn List of Resolutions The Liquor Law to be Enforced". The New York Times. August 28, 1872. p. 5. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
    3. ↑ "MA Governor, 1872". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
    4. ↑ "1872 Gubernatorial General Election Results - Massachusetts". US Election Atlas. Retrieved February 28, 2021.


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