1868 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

1868 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

November 2, 1868 (1868-11-02)

Nominee William Claflin John Quincy Adams II Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 132,121 63,266 Percentage 67.59% 32.37%

County results Claflin:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

Governor before election Alexander Bullock Republican Elected Governor William Clafin Republican

The 1868 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 3.

Governor Alexander Bullock did not run for re-election to a fourth term. William Clafin was elected to succeed him over Democrat John Quincy Adams II.

Republican nomination

Candidates

• William Claflin, Lieutenant Governor
• George B. Loring, State Representative from Salem

Results

At the Worcester convention on September 9, Benjamin F. Butler withdrew Loring's name from contention and Claflin was nominated by acclamation.^[1]

General election

Candidates

• John Quincy Adams II, former State Representative from Quincy
• William Claflin, Lieutenant Governor and Chairman of the Republican National Committee (Republican)

Results

1868 Massachusetts gubernatorial election^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	William Claflin	132,121	67.59%	9.35
	Democratic	John Quincy Adams II	63,266	32.37%	9.32
	Write-in		84	0.04%	0.03
Total votes			195,471	100.00%
	Republican hold		Swing

See also

• 1868 Massachusetts legislature

References

1. "Massachusetts: Proceedings of the Republican State Convention". September 10, 1867. p. 1. At this point Gen. Butler took the platform and said that he had been instructed by Dr. Loring to withdraw his name from the candidature of Governorship... and moved as a substitute the name of Hon. William Claflin... Amid great enthusiasm the motion was carried by acclamation.
2. "MA Governor, 1868". OurCampaigns. Retrieved March 29, 2021.