| Election Name: | 1845–46 Massachusetts gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Massachusetts |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1844 Massachusetts gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 1844 |
| Next Election: | 1846 Massachusetts gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 1846 |
| Election Date: | November 10, 1845 (popular election) January 12, 1846 (legislative vote) |
| 1Blank: | Popular election |
| 2Blank: | Senate vote |
| Image1: | File:George Nixon Briggs (cropped) (1).jpg |
| Nominee1: | George N. Briggs |
| Party1: | Whig Party (United States) |
| 2Data1: | unanimous |
| 1Data1: | 51,638 48.75% |
| Nominee2: | Isaac Davis |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| 1Data2: | 37,427 35.33% |
| 2Data2: | 0 |
| Image4: | File:Samuel E. Sewall.jpg |
| Nominee4: | Samuel E. Sewall |
| Party4: | Liberty Party (United States, 1840) |
| 1Data4: | 8,316 7.85% |
| Image5: | File:3x4.svg |
| Nominee5: | Henry Shaw |
| Party5: | Know Nothing |
| 1Data5: | 8,089 7.64% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | George N. Briggs |
| Before Party: | Whig Party (United States) |
| After Election: | George N. Briggs |
| After Party: | Whig Party (United States) |
The 1845–46 Massachusetts gubernatorial election consisted of an initial popular election held on November 10, 1845[1] that was followed by a legislative vote held on January 12, 1846. 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 defeated Democratic nominee Isaac Davis, Liberty Party nominee Samuel E. Sewall and Know Nothing nominee Henry Shaw.
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.[4]
The House sent the names of Briggs and Davis to the Senate on January 10.[5] [6]
The legislative election was held on January 12, 1846.[5] [7]