1870 New York State Election Overview
The 1870 New York state election took place on November 8, 1870. This crucial election aimed to elect the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, New York State Comptroller, two Canal Commissioners, and an Inspector of State Prisons. Additionally, all members of the New York State Assembly were also elected during this period.
Republican State Convention
The Republican state convention convened on September 7 in Saratoga Springs, New York. The convention was marked by a factional struggle between the supporters of Roscoe Conkling and Reuben E. Fenton. For the first time in history, the Temporary Chairman was elected rather than adopted by acclamation. The delegates chose George William Curtis (vote: Curtis 220, Van Wyck 150). Conkling subsequently nominated Charles H. Van Wyck, representing Fenton, for President, and his nomination was accepted.
Stewart L. Woodford was nominated for Governor on the second ballot, with an informal vote showing Woodford leading with 153 votes against Horace Greeley (143 votes) and Curtis (104½ votes). The breakdown of the ballots was as follows:
- First ballot: Woodford 170½, Greeley 139, Curtis 87½
- Second ballot: Woodford 258, Greeley 105½, Curtis 20
DeWitt Clinton Littlejohn was nominated for Lieutenant Governor on the first ballot (Littlejohn 196, Kaufman 182). Abiah W. Palmer received the nomination for Comptroller by acclamation. On September 8, Absalom Nelson was nominated for Canal Commissioner (full term) by acclamation, while Alexander Barkley was chosen for Canal Commissioner (short term) on the first ballot (Barkley: 302, Welch 82). After Littlejohn declined to run, Sigismund Kaufman was nominated as his replacement. John Parkhurst, the Warden of Clinton State Prison, was nominated for Prison Inspector by acclamation.
Election Results
The election resulted in the re-election of the entire Democratic ticket, which consisted of six incumbent officers. Furthermore, the composition of the New York State Assembly for the session of 1871 included 65 Democrats and 63 Republicans.
Additional Information
For further insights, you may refer to:
- New York gubernatorial elections
Sources
- The Tickets: [1] in NYT on October 30, 1870
- Results: Tribune Almanac 1871