Presidential election
1844 presidential election
James K. Polk defeated Henry Clay, winning 170 of 275 electoral votes and 49.5% of the popular vote.
Results
78.9%
Turnout rate
2.7M
Total votes cast
3.1M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York(NY) | 36 | DemocraticPolk | +1.1% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 26 | DemocraticPolk | +2.1% |
| Ohio(OH) | 23 | WhigClay | +1.1% |
| Virginia(VA) | 17 | DemocraticPolk | +6% |
| Tennessee(TN) | 13 | WhigClay | +0.3% |
Candidates
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
George M. Dallas
Home state
Tennessee
Age at election
49
Previous position
Governor of Tennessee, Speaker of the House
Campaign slogan
"Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!"
Popular vote
1.3M
(49.5%)
Electoral votes
170
Party
WhigRunning mate
Theodore Frelinghuysen
Home state
Kentucky
Age at election
67
Previous position
U.S. Senator from Kentucky
Campaign slogan
"Clay and Frelinghuysen"
Popular vote
1.3M
(48.1%)
Electoral votes
105
Party
LibertyRunning mate
Thomas Morris
Home state
Michigan
Age at election
52
Previous position
Abolitionist leader
Popular vote
62.1K
(2.3%)
Electoral votes
0
Northern States
Polk
48%
Southern States
Polk
53%
Key events
Democratic Convention
Polk emerged as first 'dark horse' presidential candidate
Treaty of Annexation Failed
Senate rejected Texas annexation treaty
Issues & context
First 'dark horse' presidential winner. Manifest Destiny dominated national mood. Texas annexation was key issue. Polk embraced aggressive expansion while Clay equivocated.
Recovery from Panic of 1837. Continued debate over national bank. Tariff of 1842 raised rates. Agricultural economy still dominant.
Tyler (Whig turned independent) not nominated by either party. Van Buren denied Democratic nomination over Texas annexation. Clay's third presidential attempt.
Polk considered one of most effective one-term presidents. Acquired Oregon, California, and Southwest. Mexican-American War resulted. Texas annexed. Set stage for slavery crisis.
Did you know?
- 1.First 'dark horse' candidate to win presidency
- 2.Polk promised to serve only one term - and kept it
- 3.Liberty Party votes in New York cost Clay the election
- 4.Clay lost presidential race for third time
- 5.Term 'Manifest Destiny' coined during this campaign