| Election Name: | 1872 Massachusetts gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Massachusetts |
| Flag Year: | 1872 |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1871 Massachusetts gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 1871 |
| Next Election: | 1873 Massachusetts gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 1873 |
| Election Date: | November 5, 1872 |
| Image1: | Hon. William B. Washburn, Mass - NARA - 525638 (3x4a).jpg |
| Nominee1: | William B. Washburn |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 133,900 |
| Percentage1: | 69.10% |
| Nominee2: | Francis W. Bird |
| Party2: | Liberal Republican Party (United States) |
| Alliance2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 59,626 |
| Percentage2: | 30.77% |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | William B. Washburn |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | William B. Washburn |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
The 1872 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1872. Republican governor William B. Washburn was re-elected to a second term in office over businessman Francis W. Bird, a Liberal Republican nominated with support of the Democratic Party.[1]
With an incumbent seeking re-election, the Republican convention was far less contentious than the open race of 1871.[2] Nevertheless, supporters of Benjamin F. Butler placed his name in opposition to Washburn and a vote was taken.
Washburn's renomination was then made unanimous. A subsequent inquiry found that Butler's totals were inflated by "ballot-stuffing and other improper devices."[2] In the only other contested race, Thomas Talbot defeated Elijah B. Stoddard by 643 to 395 for lieutenant governor.[2]