1857 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

The 1857 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 3. Incumbent Know-Nothing Governor Henry J. Gardner ran for a fourth term in office, but lost the support of the Republican Party, which nominated Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nathaniel P. Banks. Banks prevailed over Gardner to become the first Republican Governor of Massachusetts.

1857 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

November 3, 1857 (1857-11-03)

Nominee Nathaniel Banks Henry J. Gardner Erasmus Beach Party Republican Know Nothing Democratic Popular vote 60,797 37,596 31,760 Percentage 46.58% 28.81% 24.33%

Governor before election Henry J. Gardner Know Nothing Elected Governor Nathaniel Prentiss Banks Republican

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Gardner's loss also began an informal tradition of no Governor serving more than three consecutive one-year terms, which persisted until 1920, when the Governor's term was extended to two years. The only exception to this tradition was made for Governor John Albion Andrew, who held office during the Civil War.