1848–49 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
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.Whig nomination
The Whig convention was held on September 13, 1848, at Worcester. Governor George N. Briggs and [Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts|Governor of Massachusetts|Lieutenant Governor] John Reed Jr. were re-nominated by acclamation.General election
Candidates
- George N. Briggs, Whig, incumbent Governor
- Stephen C. Phillips, Free Soil, former U.S. Representative, former Mayor of
- Caleb Cushing, Democratic, former U.S. Representative, former United States Minister to China
- Frederick Robinson, Independent Democrat, warden of the Massachusetts State Prison, former President of the Massachusetts Senate
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.