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 County results Sumner: 40-50% 50-60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% 90–100% Sullivan: 40–50% | |||||||||||||||||||||
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The1797 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on April 3.
Incumbent GovernorSamuel Adams did not stand for election to a fourth term. Theparty system was still taking shape in the state, and theFederalists nominatedIncrease Sumner, while more populist factions that had previously supported GovernorsJohn Hancock andSamuel Adams nominatedMoses Gill andJames Sullivan, respectively. The principal issues in this and subsequent elections were over federal policy: specifically the national response to threats of war withRevolutionary France, and the consequent need for increased taxes to arm the nation.[1] Sumner ultimately won a majority over the divided opposition.
Although Gill polled well in Boston and the eastern counties of present-dayMaine, the Federalists won a decisive victory over the divided opposition.[2]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federalist | Increase Sumner (incumbent) | 14,540 | 56.21% | ||
| Democratic-Republican | James Sullivan | 7,125 | 27.55% | ||
| Federalist | Moses Gill | 3,559 | 13.76% | ||
| Others | Scattering | 641 | 2.46% | ||
| Total votes | 25,865 | 100.00% | |||
| Federalistgain fromDemocratic-Republican | Swing | ||||
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