1808 United States presidential election — 6th quadrennial U.S. presidential election
James Madison's 1808 victory secured Democratic-Republican dominance and continued Jeffersonian policy despite widespread opposition to the Embargo Act.
Key Facts
- Election dates
- November 4 – December 7, 1808
- Winner
- James Madison (Democratic-Republican)
- Runner-up
- Charles Cotesworth Pinckney (Federalist)
- VP re-elected
- George Clinton (incumbent vice president)
- Protest electoral votes
- 6 electoral votes cast for Clinton for president
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
President Thomas Jefferson declined to seek a third term, backing his Secretary of State James Madison as successor. The Federalists renominated Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, their 1804 candidate. Madison faced internal challenges from Vice President George Clinton and former Ambassador James Monroe before securing his party's nomination.
Presidential elections were held across the United States from November 4 to December 7, 1808. Madison defeated Pinckney decisively, carrying the majority of electoral votes outside New England, despite public discontent over the unpopular Embargo Act of 1807. Clinton and King ran as the respective vice-presidential nominees.
Madison won the presidency while George Clinton was simultaneously re-elected as vice president, marking one of only two instances in American history where a new president was chosen but the sitting vice president retained office. Federalist strength remained confined to New England, underscoring the Democratic-Republicans' broad national dominance.
Political Outcome
James Madison (Democratic-Republican) won the presidency; George Clinton re-elected as vice president; Federalists retained strength only in New England.
Thomas Jefferson (President), George Clinton (Vice President)
James Madison (President), George Clinton (Vice President)