The 1845–46 Massachusetts gubernatorial election consisted of an initial popular election held on November 10, 1845[1] that was followed by a legislative vote held on January 12, 1846. 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 WhigGovernorGeorge N. Briggs defeated Democratic nominee Isaac Davis, Liberty Party nominee Samuel E. Sewall and Know Nothing nominee Henry Shaw.
As no candidate received a majority of the vote, the Massachusetts General Court was required to decide the election. Under Article III of the Constitution of Massachusetts, the House of Representatives chose two candidates from the top four vote-getters, the Senate electing the Governor from the House's choice.[9]
The House sent the names of Briggs and Davis to the Senate on January 10.[10][11][12]
The legislative election was held on January 12, 1846.[11][13]
^Glashan, Roy R. (1979). American Governors and Gubernatorial Elections, 1775-1978. Westport, CT: Meckler Books. pp. 142–143. ISBN0-930466-17-9.
^Gubernatorial Elections, 1787-1997. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1998. p. 58. ISBN1-56802-396-0.
^Dubin, Michael J. (2003). United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1776-1860: The Official Results by State and County. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. p. 115. ISBN978-0-7864-1439-0.
^Kallenbach, Joseph E.; Kallenbach, Jessamine S., eds. (1977). American State Governors, 1776-1976. Vol. I. Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.: Oceana Publications, Inc. p. 277. ISBN0-379-00665-0.
^ abKallenbach, Joseph E.; Kallenbach, Jessamine S., eds. (1977). American State Governors, 1776-1976. Vol. I. Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.: Oceana Publications, Inc. p. 294. ISBN0-379-00665-0.
^ ab"Massachusetts". New-York daily tribune. New-York, N.Y. January 13, 1846. p. 2. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
^ ab"Massachusetts". Weekly national intelligencer. Washington, D.C. January 17, 1846. p. 4. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
^"Massachusetts". Der Lecha Patriot und Northampton Demokrat. Allentaun, Pa. January 28, 1846. p. 2. Retrieved October 31, 2022.