1852–53 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
The 1852–53 Massachusetts gubernatorial election consisted of an initial popular vote held on November 8, 1852, followed by a legislative vote conducted on January 12, 1853, which elected Whig Party nominee John H. Clifford. The ultimate task of electing the governor had been placed before the Massachusetts General Court because no candidate received the majority of the vote required for a candidate to be elected through the popular election.
Incumbent Democratic governor George S. Boutwell declined to run for a third term in office.
Democratic nominations
Candidates
- Henry W. Bishop, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
- David Henshaw, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy
Convention and split
With the imminent presidential election creating an increased emphasis on national politics, the Democratic Party became divided over the issue of slavery and its expansion in the western territories. Coalitionists favored a moderate approach which allowed the party to reconcile with its ally in the past three elections, the Free Soil Party. Without the Free Soilers, the party likely had no chance at winning. The Coalitionists held the majority of the party and nominated Henry W. Bishop of Lenox for governor in September. A breakaway faction calling themselves "National Democrats" rejected the Bishop ticket. The National Democrats nominated David Henshaw, a long-time ally of John C. Calhoun who had served as Secretary of the Navy in the John Tyler administration.General election
Candidates
- Henry W. Bishop, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
- John H. Clifford, Attorney General of Massachusetts
- David Henshaw, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy
- Horace Mann, U.S. representative from Newton
- Edward A. Vose