General Election Analysis: Candidates and Results
The general election featured a competitive race between several political factions, reflecting the diverse ideological landscape of the time. The contest saw a clash between established major parties and smaller third-party movements, each vying for influence over the electorate.
The Candidates
The race was headlined by two prominent figures with significant leadership backgrounds, alongside representatives from the Greenback and Prohibition parties.
- George B. McClellan: Representing the Democratic Party, McClellan brought high visibility to the ticket as a former General of the U.S. Army and the Democratic nominee for president in 1864.
- William A. Newell: The Republican candidate, Newell entered the race with executive experience as the former Governor of New Jersey.
- Thomas D. Hoxsey: A candidate representing the Greenback Party, which historically advocated for paper money and monetary reform.
- Rodolphus Bingham: The nominee for the Prohibition Party, focusing on the legal restriction of alcohol.
Election Results
The final tally indicates a victory for the Democratic Party, which managed to hold its position. George B. McClellan secured the majority of the vote, outperforming his nearest rival, William A. Newell.
The Democratic victory was marked by a 51.65% share of the total vote, while the Republican effort garnered 44.92%. The remaining percentage was split between the Greenback and Prohibition parties, illustrating the limited but present influence of third-party candidates in this cycle.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | Percentage | Swing (±%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George B. McClellan | 97,837 | 51.65% | 2.00 |
| Republican | William A. Newell | 85,094 | 44.92% | 1.43 |
| Greenback | Thomas D. Hoxsey | 5,069 | 2.68% | N/A |
| Prohibition | Rodolphus Bingham | 1,439 | 0.76% | N/A |
Key Facts
- Winner: George B. McClellan (Democratic) won with 97,837 votes.
- Democratic Share: 51.65% of the total vote.
- Republican Share: 44.92% of the total vote.
- Third-Party Impact: The Greenback and Prohibition parties combined for less than 4% of the total vote.
- Outcome: The result was a Democratic hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the general election?
George B. McClellan of the Democratic Party won the election, receiving 97,837 votes and 51.65% of the total vote share.
What was William A. Newell's background?
William A. Newell, the Republican candidate, previously served as the Governor of New Jersey.
How did the third-party candidates perform?
Thomas D. Hoxsey of the Greenback Party received 5,069 votes (2.68%), and Rodolphus Bingham of the Prohibition Party received 1,439 votes (0.76%).
What was George B. McClellan's previous experience?
McClellan was a former General of the U.S. Army and had previously been the Democratic nominee for president in 1864.
Was there a change in party control?
No, the result was recorded as a Democratic hold.