The present invention provides a contact mechanism that is capable of, without enlarging the entire configuration thereof, preventing the generation of an electromagnetic repulsion that opens a movable contact upon application of a current, and also provides an electromagnetic contactor that uses this contact mechanism. A contact mechanism (CM) has a fixed contact (2) and a movable contact (3) that are inserted in a current-carrying path. In the contact mechanism (CM), at least either the fixed contact (2) or the movable contact (3) is formed into an L-shape or a U-shape so as to generate a Lorentz force that acts against an electromagnetic repulsion in an opening direction, which is generated between the fixed contact (2) and the movable contact (3) upon application of a current.