1936 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

The 1936 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1936.

Democratic Governor James Michael Curley chose to run for United States Senate rather than seek a second term in office. Incumbent Democratic Treasurer Charles F. Hurley was elected Governor over former Republican State Treasurer John W. Haigis.

Democratic primary

Governor

Candidates

• Charles F. Hurley, Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts
• William McMasters, publicity agent and whistleblower in the Charles Ponzi case

Declined

• James Michael Curley, incumbent Governor (to run for U.S. Senate)

Results

Following his loss in the Democratic primary, McMasters accepted the nomination of the Union Party.

Lt. Governor

Candidates

• Thomas F. Galvin, Lawrence City Alderman and Commissioner of Public Safety
• Francis E. Kelly, former member of the Boston City Council and candidate for Lt. Governor in 1932 and 1934
• Philip J. Philbin, special counsel for the United States Senate Committee on Education and Labor and ally of Senator David I. Walsh

Results

Republican primary

Governor

Candidates

• John W. Haigis, former Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts

Results

Haigis was unopposed for the Republican nomination.

Lt. Governor

Candidates

• Leverett Saltonstall, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives

Results

Speaker Saltonstall was unopposed for the Republican nomination.

General election

Candidates

• John W. Haigis, former Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts (Republican)
• Horace I. Hillis, candidate for Lt. Governor in 1934 (Socialist Labor)
• Otis Archer Hood (Communist)
• Charles F. Hurley, Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts (Democratic)
• Alfred Baker Lewis, attorney, civil rights activist, and perennial candidate (Socialist)
• William McMasters, publicity agent and whistleblower in the Charles Ponzi case (Union)
• Fred G. Bushold (Union-Coughlin-Townsend)

Results

See also

• 1935–1936 Massachusetts legislature

References

Bibliography