United States House of Representatives elections, 1848

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The U.S. House election, 1848 was an election for the United States House of Representatives in 1848.

The Democrats took back control of the House in 1848, despite losing their majority two years earlier. The Mexican-American War, which ended with an American victory several months before the election, was a big factor in the election. Zachary Taylor, a general in the war, was elected president as a Whig, but the Democrats, who had initially instigated the war, were rewarded for their victory by regaining House control. The anti-slavery Free Soil Party was a huge spoiler in this election, earning 9 seats in districts that generally supported Whig politicians.

When Congress assembled on 12/3/1849, no party was able to win a majority of the vote for Speaker. The Whigs re-nominated Robert C. Winthrop of Massachusetts; the Democrats supported Howell Cobb; the Free Soilers supported David Wilmot; and southern Whigs supported Meredith Gentry. The impasse continued until the 63d ballot. Two dozen other candidates were offered in the hopes that someone else could gain a majority. The Democrats and Free Soilers attempted a compromise on the 40th ballot, which was foiled when Rep. Edward Stanly (W-NC) exposed the deal. After the 59th ballot, Stanly offered a proposal which was accepted. The House would take three additional ballots. If no candidate won the majority, whoever placed first on the 63d ballot would be declared the new Speaker. Cobb was chosen on the 63d ballot with 102 votes to 99 for Winthrop and 20 scattering.