Henry Wilson Republican George S. Boutwell Republican The 1873 United States Senate special election in Massachusetts was held in March 1873 to fill the vacancy left by Senator Henry Wilson, who resigned to become Vice President of the United States.

[1][3] Incumbent Senator Henry Wilson resigned from office upon his election as Vice President of the United States, creating a vacancy for the term ending in 1877.

Boutwell achieved a majority of the House on the second ballot, but the Senate deadlocked.

Senate President George Loring, who was a candidate for the seat, did not vote.

[4] Following Boutwell's victory in the House, it was widely expected the Senate would ratify their choice the next day.