1838 New York gubernatorial election

Last updated

1838 New York gubernatorial election
Flag of New York (1778-1901).svg
  1836 November 5–7, 1838 1840  
  Governor William Seward (cropped).png Governor William Marcy (cropped 3x4).png
Nominee William H. Seward William L. Marcy
Party Whig Democratic
Popular vote192,882182,461
Percentage51.39%48.61%

1838 New York gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
Results by county
Marcy:     50–60%     60–70%
Seward:     50–60%     60–70%
No Data/Vote:     

Governor before election

William L. Marcy
Democratic

Elected Governor

William H. Seward
Whig

The 1838 New York gubernatorial election was held from November 5 to 7, 1838, to elect the Governor of New York.

Contents

After winning election, Seward demonstrated considerable support for African Americans, signing legislation during his two terms to guarantee jury trials to alleged fugitive slaves, to repeal the nine-month allowance for slaveholders bringing slaves into the state, to give state support to efforts to gain freedom for free blacks kidnapped and sold into slavery, and establish public education for all children.

General election

Candidates

Campaign

The issues of slavery and abolition were among the topics of the campaigns. Abolitionists asked the candidates for both positions their stands on the following issues: [1] 1) "the right of blacks to a jury trial when seized as fugitive slaves; 2) a law freeing slaves-in-transit the moment they were brought into the state by their masters; and 3) equal suffrage for blacks."

Incumbent Democrat William Marcy and his running mate were described as doughfaces, not supporting the abolitionist proposals. During the campaign, Seward said that he did not support the latter two proposals, noting that a change to suffrage required a constitutional amendment to be changed. Thus, while abolitionists endorsed Luther Bradish, the Whig candidate for lieutenant governor, who supported all three, some activists recommended voting against Seward.

Results

The Whig ticket, led by Seward, was elected.

1838 New York gubernatorial election
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Whig William H. Seward 192,882 51.39% +6.77%
Democratic William L. Marcy (incumbent)182,46148.61%−5.63%
Total votes375,343 100%

References

  1. Finkelman, Paul (September 1988). "The Protection of Black Rights in Seward's New York". Civil War History. 34 (3). Kent State University Press: 211–234. doi:10.1353/cwh.1988.0057.

Sources