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The U.S. House election of 1856 returned a semblance of normality to the Democratic Party, as they retook a House majority and retained the presidency (James Buchanan was elected). However, the party was permanently divided over the slavery issue.
Earlier in the year, the Whig Party disbanded, with the majority of its members joining the Republican cause, while the short-lived Know Nothing movement declined, and the American Party began to fall apart. The Democrats, aided by much support from recent immigrants, took advantage of the situation and became the majority, despite fragmented support within the party.
| Party | Total seats (change) | Seat percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 132 | +48 | 55.7% |
| Republican Party | 90 | +44 | 38.0% |
| American Party | 14 | -48 | 6.0% |
| Independent | 1 | +1 | 0.4% |
| Totals | 237 | -15 | 100% |
Note: From statehood to 1864, California's representatives were elected at-large, with the top two vote-getters winning election from 1849 to 1858; in 1860 when California gained a seat in the House the top three vote-getters were elected.
| District | Incumbents | Status | Candidates | Winners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two at-large seats | James W. Denver (Democratic) |
Retired | Charles L. Scott (Democratic) 29.9% Joseph C. McKibbin (Democratic) 21% A. B. Dibble (Know-Nothing) 20.7% Ira P. Rankin (Independent) 13% J. N. Turner (Republican) 12.5% |
Charles L. Scott (Democratic) |
| Philemon T. Herbert (Democratic) |
Retired after manslaughter acquittal | Joseph C. McKibbin (Democratic) |
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