1834 New York gubernatorial election

Summary

The 1834 New York gubernatorial election was held from November 3 to 5, 1834 to elect the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New York. This was the first fall election in which the Whig Party participated.

1834 New York gubernatorial election

← 1832 November 3–5, 1834 1836 →
 
Nominee William L. Marcy William H. Seward
Party Democratic Whig
Popular vote 181,900 169,008
Percentage 51.84% 48.16%


Governor before election

William L. Marcy
Democratic

Elected Governor

William L. Marcy
Democratic

Candidates edit

Incumbent Governor William L. Marcy was re-nominated by the Democratic Party to run against the nominee of the Whig Party, future governor William H. Seward. The Democratic Party nominated the incumbent John Tracy for Lieutenant Governor.

Seward had had to fight hard for the nomination; those considered included Amos P. Granger, Daniel C. Verplanck, and others. Eventually Seward, then 33 years old, emerged as the consensus choice. The Whig Party nominated state assemblyman Silas M. Stilwell for Lieutenant Governor.

Campaign edit

During the campaign, the Democratic press charged that Seward was too young to serve; the Whig press countered by giving examples of famous people, including DeWitt Clinton, who had served at young ages.

Results edit

The Democratic ticket of Marcy and Tracy was elected.

New York gubernatorial election, 1834
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic William L. Marcy (incumbent) 181,900 51.84% +0.33%
Whig William H. Seward 169,008 48.16% -0.33%
Total votes 350,908 100%

Sources edit

  • Result: The Tribune Almanac 1838