1848 and 1849 United States House of Representatives elections


Elections to the United States House of Representatives for the 31st Congress were held at various dates in different states from August 1848 to November 1849.
These elections spanned the presidential election of 1848 and took place amid the U.S. victory over Mexico in the Mexican–American War. The Whigs lost their House majority as Democrats, whose support had driven the war, gained a House plurality. Among minor parties, the Free Soil Party won nine Northern seats, while the American or "Know Nothing" Party retained one.
Following the discovery of gold in January 1848, California boomed, creating immediate pressure for statehood. The Compromise of 1850, though largely crafted in the Senate, was also passed by the House, brokering its admission to the Union. Anticipating statehood, California elected two Representatives at-large on November 11, 1849, to be seated September 11, 1850.
As neither major party held a majority when Congress convened on December 3, 1849, the election of a Speaker proved contentious. The Whigs split, with Northern Whigs nominating incumbent speaker Robert C. Winthrop of Massachusetts and Southern Whigs supporting Meredith P. Gentry of Tennessee. Although Democrats primarily supported Howell Cobb of Georgia, over a dozen other candidates also garnered support. Anti-slavery Free Soilers supported David Wilmot of Pennsylvania, author of the Wilmot Proviso, calling attention to Slave Power's hold over both major parties. After nearly three weeks of heated debate, the House suspended its majority rule for the Speaker election. Cobb was elected on the 63rd ballot by plurality.

Election summaries

was apportioned an additional seat in 1848, and two more seats were added for the new state of California.

Special elections

Arkansas

California

California two at-large members were elected November 11, 1849 in anticipation of statehood and seated September 11, 1850.

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Florida's single at-large member was elected October 2, 1848.
DistrictIncumbentPartyFirst
elected		ResultCandidates
Edward C. CabellWhig1846Incumbent re-elected.

Georgia

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Mississippi

Missouri

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Vermont

Virginia

Wisconsin

Wisconsin members were first elected in advance of its June 1848 statehood. It elected two members to finish the current term in the 30th Congress, and then it gained an elected an additional member for elections to the 31st Congress.

30th Congress

Wisconsin's two members were elected May 8, 1848.

31st Congress

Wisconsin's three members were elected November 7, 1848.

Non-voting delegates