1902 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
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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.
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November 4, 1902
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Bates: 40-50% 50â60% 60â70% 70â80% 80â90% >90% Gaston: 40-50% 50â60% 60â70% Tie: 40-50% | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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 2026.
Party nominations
Lieutenant Governor John L. Bates was nominated by the Republican party by acclamation.[1] William A. Gaston defeated Charles Sumner Hamlin 1004 votes to 232 votes at the Democratic convention.[2]
General election
Governor
- John L. Bates, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts (Republican)
- Michael T. Berry (Socialist Labor)
- John C. Chase, former mayor of Haverhill (Socialist)
- William A. Gaston, banker and son of former governor William Gaston (Democratic)
- William H. Partridge (Prohibition)
Results
| 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% | |||
