1828 Arkansas Territory's at-large congressional district special election
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The 1828 Arkansas Territory at-large congressional district special election was held on December 15, 1828, following the death of Henry W. Conway, who had served as the Democratic-Republican Party delegate to Congress from Arkansas Territory since 1823. The position was for the territory's lone non-voting delegate to the United States House of Representatives.
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December 15, 1828
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Vacancy
Delegate Henry Conway died from a wound sustained in a duel with Robert Crittenden on October 29, 1827.
Setting
Following Conway's death, Governor of Arkansas Territory George Izard issued a proclamation calling for a special election on the third Monday in December 1828.[1]
Candidates
Five candidates announced for the position, with two later withdrawing.
- Ambrose Sevier, attorney, politician and planter. Served in Arkansas House of Representatives from 1823 to 1827, including serving as Speaker of the House in 1827. Member of the politically powerful Conway-Johnson family
- Richard Searcy, former secretary of the Arkansas Territorial Council
- Andrew Scott, lawyer and politician, former superior court judge and circuit court judge
Declined
- Benjamin Desha, political ally of Robert Crittenden, withdrew
- Alexander S. Walker, withdrew
Election
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ambrose Sevier | 939 | 48.45% | |
| Richard Searcy | 883 | 45.56% | ||
| Andrew Scott | 116 | 5.99% | ||
| Total votes | 100.0 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||