1936 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
The 1936 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1936.
Democratic Governor James Michael Curley chose to run for United States Senate rather than seek a second term in office. Incumbent Democratic Treasurer Charles F. Hurley was elected Governor over former Republican State Treasurer John W. Haigis.
Democratic primary
Governor
Candidates
- Charles F. Hurley, Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts
- William McMasters, publicity agent and whistleblower in the Charles Ponzi case
Declined
- James Michael Curley, incumbent Governor
Results
Following his loss in the Democratic primary, McMasters accepted the nomination of the Union Party.Lt. Governor
Candidates
- Thomas F. Galvin, Lawrence City Alderman and Commissioner of Public Safety
- Francis E. Kelly, former member of the Boston City Council and candidate for Lt. Governor in 1932 and 1934
- Philip J. Philbin, special counsel for the United States Senate Committee on Education and Labor and ally of Senator David I. Walsh
Republican primary
Governor
Candidates
Results
Haigis was unopposed for the Republican nomination.Lt. Governor
Candidates
- Leverett Saltonstall, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
Results
Speaker Saltonstall was unopposed for the Republican nomination.General election
Candidates
- John W. Haigis, former Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts
- Horace I. Hillis, candidate for Lt. Governor in 1934
- Otis Archer Hood
- Charles F. Hurley, Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts
- Alfred Baker Lewis, attorney, civil rights activist, and perennial candidate
- William McMasters, publicity agent and whistleblower in the Charles Ponzi case
- Fred G. Bushold