The 1786 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on April 3, 1786, to elect the Governor of Massachusetts. Incumbent Governor James Bowdoin won re-election to a second one-year term.
Background
Under the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, gubernatorial elections were held annually. James Bowdoin had succeeded John Hancock, who resigned in 1785 due to poor health. Bowdoin's first term (1785–1786) was marked by economic difficulties following the American Revolutionary War, including high taxes and debt collection efforts that contributed to rural unrest, later known as Shays' Rebellion (which began in August 1786, several months after this election).
Candidates
- James Bowdoin (Incumbent): A prominent merchant, scientist, and political leader aligned with the "court party" (generally favoring strong central government and fiscal conservatism).
- John Hancock: The former governor (1780–1785) and President of the Continental Congress. Hancock had resigned citing health issues but remained a popular figure, particularly among rural voters and those opposed to Bowdoin's tax policies.
Results
The election was conducted by the Massachusetts General Court (the state legislature) because no candidate received a majority of the popular vote, as required by the state constitution.
Popular Vote (Incomplete Returns) | Candidate | Votes | Percentage | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | James Bowdoin | ~ | ~ | | John Hancock | ~ | ~ | | Scattering | ~ | ~ | Exact popular vote totals for this specific election are often cited as incomplete or lost in historical records; however, contemporary accounts indicate Hancock led in the popular vote but failed to secure a majority.
Legislative Vote (Joint Session of the General Court) Because no candidate achieved a popular majority, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate met in joint session to choose the governor from the top vote-getters (typically the top four, though Bowdoin and Hancock were the only serious contenders).
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| James Bowdoin | 119 | ~54.8% |
| John Hancock | 98 | ~45.2% |
| Total | 217 | 100% |
Aftermath
James Bowdoin was inaugurated for his second term. His second term was dominated by Shays' Rebellion, an armed uprising in western Massachusetts led by Daniel Shays and other former Revolutionary War veterans protesting economic injustices and the state government's aggressive tax collection. Bowdoin took a hard line against the rebels, funding a private militia to suppress the uprising. The rebellion and Bowdoin's response were significant factors in the movement for a stronger federal constitution and contributed to his defeat by John Hancock in the 1787 Massachusetts gubernatorial election.
