Hart benefitted from strife within the Democratic party, where
John R. Murphy had lost the nomination to Collins.[2] Murphy subsequently announced his intent to cross party lines and vote for Hart.[3] The votes of Murphy and his followers in support of the Republican candidate contributed to Collins' defeat, and was referred to as a "knifing" in contemporary news reports.[4]
Hart was inaugurated on Monday, January 1, 1900.[5]
Party conventions
Democratic
The Democratic convention was held on November 20, 1899, at Bumstead Hall. Incumbent mayor
Patrick Collins defeated former state senator and state representative
John R. Murphy.[6]
The Republican convention was held on November 21, 1899, at Association Hall. Former Mayor
Thomas N. Hart defeated former common councilor, alderman, and state representative Alpheus Sanford.[7]
Thomas N. Hart (Republican), former Mayor of Boston (1889–1890),
Postmaster of Boston (1891–1895), member of the Boston Board of Aldermen (1882–1886), and member of the
Boston Common Council (1879–1881)