Elbridge Gerry Democratic-Republican Caleb Strong Federalist The 1812 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on April 6, 1812.

Incumbent Democratic-Republican Governor Elbridge Gerry was defeated by Federalist nominee Caleb Strong.

[10] The cause for this laid in new constitutionally mandated electoral district boundaries that the state had adopted prior to the election.

The shape of one of the state senate districts in Essex County was compared to a salamander[12] by a local Federalist newspaper in a political cartoon, calling it a "Gerry-mander".

[11] On May 30, 1812, Nathaniel Ames wrote in his diary that "Strong declared Governor by majority of 600!