John Francis Kennedy

Who was John Francis Kennedy?

John Francis Kennedy was the Treasurer of Massachusetts from 1955 to 1961.

Kennedy worked as a supervisor in the miscellaneous small parts stockroom for Gillette in Canton, Massachusetts, before seeking public office. Kennedy first sought the office of Treasurer in 1952, losing the Democratic primary to Foster Furcolo. Kennedy sought the office again in 1954, defeating the party endorsed candidate and a third candidate in the Primary. Kennedy then defeated a Republican to win the office.

Kennedy's electoral success is widely seen to be a result of him having the same name as then-Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy. Kennedy's campaigns consisted of him spending $200 total and bypassing a party convention to directly compete in the primary. After serving three terms as Treasurer, Kennedy sought the office of Governor of Massachusetts in 1960. Kennedy finished in 5th place with 8.85%.

The 1960 Massachusetts primary involved six John Kennedys seeking office. John Kennedy of Canton sought the office of Governor. John B. Kennedy of Saugus and John M. Kennedy of Boston both sought the office of state treasurer.