The Election of 1836 was one of the more unusual contests in U.S. history. Martin Van Buren, with the strong backing of outgoing President Andrew Jackson, sought to continue the Democratic Party’s dominance. However, the newly formed Whig Party devised a unique strategy to prevent his victory by running multiple candidates across different regions.
Martin Van Buren For President?
Andrew Jackson, after two impactful terms, decided not to run for a third. He saw his Vice President, Martin Van Buren, as the natural successor. Van Buren, a co-founder of the Democratic Party and a skilled political strategist, had held several significant positions, including Senator, Governor of New York, Secretary of State, and Vice President. His political acumen and close association with Jackson secured him the Democratic nomination without much opposition.
To balance the ticket, Van Buren chose Richard Mentor Johnson, a U.S. Representative from Kentucky, as his running mate. Johnson, however, was controversial within the party due to his relationships with enslaved women, one of whom he openly acknowledged as his wife. Despite his reputation as a war hero and senator, this aspect of his personal life made him a less-than-ideal candidate in the eyes of many Democrats. Nevertheless, no serious challenge emerged, and Johnson received the VP nomination.
The Rise Of The Whig Party
After their losses in the 1828 and 1832 elections, the National Republican Party dissolved, giving way to the Whig Party. Named after the American Whigs who opposed British tyranny during the Revolutionary War, this new party was established in 1834 under Henry Clay’s leadership. The Whigs consisted of former Federalists, National Republicans, Anti-Masonic Party members, and Democrats disillusioned with Jackson.
The Whig Party’s platform centered on Henry Clay’s “American System,” advocating for a national bank, protective tariffs, and infrastructure development. By the 1836 election, they believed they could challenge the Democrats, albeit with an unconventional approach.
The Whigs’ Unusual Strategy
Lacking a unified nominating convention in 1836, the Whigs chose to run multiple candidates, hoping to splinter Van Buren’s support and force the election into the House of Representatives. Their candidates were:
- Hugh Lawson White: Senator from Tennessee
- Willie Person Mangum: Senator from North Carolina
- Daniel Webster: Senator from Massachusetts
- William Henry Harrison: Former Senator and Governor of Ohio
Of these, William Henry Harrison was the most prominent, with broader appeal and a better chance of securing a significant portion of the vote. The Whigs also split their vice-presidential ticket, with Francis Granger of New York running alongside Harrison and Webster, while John Tyler of Virginia ran with White and Mangum.
The Results
By 1836, Arkansas and Michigan had joined the Union, raising the number of electoral votes needed to win to 148. Though Michigan’s statehood was officially recognized in 1837, its votes were counted in the election. Despite the Whigs’ best efforts, Martin Van Buren won decisively with 170 electoral votes and 50.8% of the popular vote, becoming the 8th President of the United States.
The Whigs’ strategy ultimately failed. While Harrison garnered 73 electoral votes, and White, Webster, and Mangum won smaller amounts, their combined efforts fell short. Despite nearly securing 50% of the popular vote, they couldn’t prevent Van Buren’s victory. Even if the election had gone to the House, the Democrats’ majority in Congress would have ensured Van Buren’s win.
The Battle Of The Vice Presidents
Though Van Buren secured the presidency, his running mate Richard Mentor Johnson faced challenges. In Virginia, 23 electors refused to support Johnson due to his controversial personal life, casting their votes instead for William Smith of South Carolina. This left Johnson one vote short of the majority needed to win the vice presidency, sending the decision to the Senate.
With a Democratic majority in the Senate, Johnson was elected as the 9th Vice President, becoming the only VP in U.S. history to win the office through a contingent election.
Conclusion
The 1836 election saw Martin Van Buren become the third Vice President to ascend to the presidency directly, following in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson. As Van Buren prepared to lead the nation, the Whig Party’s unconventional tactics hinted at the political battles that would shape future elections. The stage was set for Van Buren’s presidency and the eventual showdown in the election of 1840.
