1903 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

The 1903 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1903. Incumbent Republican Governor John L. Bates was re-elected to a second term, defeating Democratic nominee William A. Gaston and Socialist John C. Chase in a rematch of the 1902 election.

1903 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

November 3, 1903

Nominee John L. Bates William A. Gaston John C. Chase Party Republican Democratic Socialist Popular vote 199,684 163,700 25,251 Percentage 50.36% 41.29% 6.37%

Bates:      40-50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Gaston:      40-50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Tie:      50%

Governor before election John L. Bates Republican Elected Governor John L. Bates Republican

General election

Candidates

• John L. Bates, incumbent governor since January 1903 (Republican)
• Thomas F. Brennan (Socialist Labor)
• John C. Chase, former mayor of Haverhill and nominee for governor in 1902 (Socialist)
• William A. Gaston, banker, son of former governor William Gaston and nominee for governor in 1902 (Democratic)
• Oliver W. Cobb (Prohibition)

Results

1903 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	John L. Bates (incumbent)	196,276	50.36%	1.13
	Democratic	William A. Gaston	163,700	41.29%	1.37
	Socialist	John C. Chase	25,251	6.37%	2.07
	Socialist Labor	Thomas F. Brennan	4,561	1.15%	0.38
	Prohibition	Oliver W. Cobb	3,278	0.83%	0.06
	Write-in	All others	5	0.00%
Total votes			396,479	100.00%

See also

• 1903 Massachusetts legislature

Bibliography

• Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth (1910). Election Statistics, 1903. Boston, MA: Wright & Potter Printing Co., State Printers.