Presidential election
1804 presidential election
Thomas Jefferson defeated Charles C. Pinckney, winning 162 of 176 electoral votes.
Results
23.8%
Turnout rate
143.0K
Total votes cast
800.0K
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 20 | Democratic-RepublicanJefferson | +70% |
| New York(NY) | 19 | Democratic-RepublicanJefferson | +37% |
| Virginia(VA) | 24 | Democratic-RepublicanJefferson | +100% |
| Connecticut(CT) | 9 | FederalistPinckney | +28% |
| Massachusetts(MA) | 19 | Democratic-RepublicanJefferson | +29% |
Candidates
Party
Democratic-RepublicanRunning mate
George Clinton
Home state
Virginia
Age at election
61
Previous position
3rd President of the United States (Incumbent)
Electoral votes
162
Party
FederalistRunning mate
Rufus King
Home state
South Carolina
Age at election
58
Previous position
Minister to France
Electoral votes
14
Northern States
Jefferson
62%
Southern States
Jefferson
90%
Key events
Hamilton Killed in Duel
Burr killed Hamilton months before election
Lewis and Clark Expedition
Corps of Discovery departed to explore Louisiana Territory
Issues & context
First election under 12th Amendment (separate presidential/VP balloting). Louisiana Purchase wildly popular despite constitutional concerns. Federalists in permanent decline. Jefferson at peak popularity.
Prosperity. National debt being paid down. Louisiana Purchase doubled national territory cheaply. Trade flourishing before later embargoes.
Jefferson overwhelmingly popular. Louisiana Purchase greatest achievement. Federalists had no compelling case against his success. Burr-Hamilton duel removed both rivals.
12th Amendment prevented repeat of 1800 electoral crisis. Federalist Party marginalized. Virginia Dynasty firmly established. Set precedent for two-term limit (later broken by FDR).
Did you know?
- 1.First election under 12th Amendment
- 2.Hamilton killed by Burr months before election
- 3.Jefferson won 162-14 electoral landslide
- 4.Louisiana Purchase cost 3 cents per acre
- 5.Burr not renominated after duel and secession plot