1902 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

The 1902 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1902. Incumbent Republican Governor W. Murray Crane did not run for re-election. Lt. Governor John L. Bates was elected to succeed him, defeating Democratic nominee William A. Gaston and Socialist John C. Chase.

1902 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

November 4, 1902

Nominee John L. Bates William A. Gaston John C. Chase Party Republican Democratic Socialist Popular vote 196,276 159,156 33,629 Percentage 49.23% 39.92% 8.44%

Governor before election W. Murray Crane Republican Elected Governor John L. Bates Republican

This election was the first in which the newly formed Socialist Party of America fielded a candidate and Chase's 8.44% remains the largest vote any Socialist candidate for Governor has received as of 2021.

Republican convention

Lieutenant Governor John L. Bates was nominated for Governor by acclamation.[1]

General election

Governor

1902 Massachusetts gubernatorial election[2][3][4]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	John L. Bates	196,276	49.23%	8.03
	Democratic	William A. Gaston	159,156	39.92%	4.68
	Socialist	John C. Chase	33,629	8.44%	N/A
	Socialist Labor	Michael T. Berry	6,079	1.53%	1.21
	Prohibition	William H. Partridge	3,538	0.89%	0.58
	Write-in	All others	11	0.00%
Total votes			398,689	100.00%

References

1. "Bates for Governor: Nominated by Acclamation in Boston". The Hartford Courant. 4 Oct 1902. p. 1.
2. "MA Governor, 1902". Our Campaigns. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
3. "1902 Gubernatorial General Election Results - Massachusetts". US Election Atlas. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
4. Election Statistics 1902, p. 5.

Bibliography

Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth (1910). Election Statistics, 1902. Boston, MA: Wright & Potter Printing Co., State Printers.

See also