1804 United States presidential election — 5th quadrennial U.S. presidential election
Jefferson's landslide reelection in 1804 was the first presidential election held under the Twelfth Amendment, reshaping how presidents and vice presidents are chosen.
Key Facts
- Election dates
- November 2 – December 5, 1804
- Incumbent winner
- Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican)
- Defeated candidate
- Charles Cotesworth Pinckney (Federalist)
- New VP nominee
- Governor George Clinton replaced Aaron Burr
- Key constitutional change
- First election under the Twelfth Amendment
- Result margin
- Landslide; Jefferson carried nearly every state
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Jefferson's popularity surged after the Louisiana Purchase vastly expanded U.S. territory and the economy remained strong. The Federalist Party, weakened since John Adams's defeat in 1800, struggled to mount a credible challenge, selecting Pinckney—Adams's former running mate—as their nominee while Jefferson was renominated without opposition.
Between November 2 and December 5, 1804, American voters chose presidential electors under the newly ratified Twelfth Amendment. Incumbent President Thomas Jefferson defeated Federalist Charles Cotesworth Pinckney in a decisive landslide, carrying almost every state, including traditionally Federalist New England strongholds, alongside his new running mate, New York Governor George Clinton.
Jefferson's overwhelming victory cemented Democratic-Republican dominance in national politics and effectively marginalized the Federalist Party. The election also validated the Twelfth Amendment's new procedure for separately electing presidents and vice presidents, correcting the flaws exposed by the disputed 1800 election and establishing a precedent that endures today.
Political Outcome
Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) defeated Charles Cotesworth Pinckney (Federalist) in a landslide, winning reelection with George Clinton as vice president.
Jefferson presidency, first term; Aaron Burr as vice president
Jefferson presidency, second term; George Clinton as vice president