The 1849–50 Massachusetts gubernatorial election consisted of an initial popular election held on November 12, 1949 that was followed by a legislative vote held on January 7, 1850. 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 Whig Governor George N. Briggs won the legislative vote and was therefore elected, defeating Democratic nominee George S. Boutwell and Free Soil nominee Stephen C. Phillips.
General election
Candidates
George N. Briggs, Whig, incumbent Governor
George S. Boutwell, Democratic, state banking commissioner, former State Representative Stephen C. Phillips, Free Soil, former U.S. Representative, former Mayor ofSalem, Massachusetts
Results
Legislative election
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.
Contemporary sources only record the House's vote as Briggs 157, Phillips 63, Boutwell 59, which would result in the nomination of Briggs but not Boutwell.
The legislative election was held on January 7, 1850.