Elmer C. Nelson

Nelson was born on June 1, 1900, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. He graduated from Milford High School in Milford, Massachusetts.[2] During his senior year he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the 26th Division, 101st Engineer Battalion during World War I. In 1929 he opened a Buick dealership in Milford.[3]

Nelson represented the 8th Worcester District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1933 to 1937.[2] He served as vice chairman of the Special Commission on Taxation.[4] He managed Leverett Saltonstall's successful 1938 gubernatorial campaign.[3] He then served as volunteer aide to Saltonstall and was seen as the Governor's patronage chief. From 1939 to 1942, Nelson was a state racing commissioner.[5] During World War II he was a captain in the United States Army.[3]

Nelson managed Christian Herter's 1952 gubernatorial campaign and in 1953, with Herter's support, was elected chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party. He was given a $12,000-a-year salary, becoming the party's first paid chairman.[5] In 1956, the party's presumptive gubernatorial nominee, Sumner G. Whittier demanded Nelson's resignation, which he refused.[6] He was defeated for reelection by Ralph H. Bonnell at that year's party convention.[7] In 1958, Nelson was the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor. He lost to Democrat Robert F. Murphy 60% to 39%.[8] Nelson led his third successful gubernatorial campaign when he managed John Volpe's 1964 campaign.[3]

Nelson died on March 31, 1975, at Milford Hospital.[3]

• 1933–1934 Massachusetts legislature
• 1935–1936 Massachusetts legislature