Henry J. Gardner Know Nothing Henry J. Gardner Know Nothing The 1855 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 6.

Know-Nothing candidate Henry J. Gardner was re-elected to a second term as Governor in a multi-partisan race, defeating Republican Julius Rockwell and Democrat Erasmus Beach.

This was the first election won by a direct plurality vote, after the majority requirement was abolished by the legislature on May 23.

Gardner won without ratification by the General Court.