James Madison, the Democratic-Republican incumbent, sought a second term in 1812. He was opposed by a prominent New York politician, DeWitt Clinton, the Federalist candidate. The conduct of the War of 1812 was the prime issue. The Federalists were generally opposed to the conflict, but managed to criticize Madison for the setbacks encountered in the early going. They also expressed exasperation with the continuing production of presidents from Virginia. The poor showing of American soldiers in the war's first months largely contributed to the election's close result.
| Election of 1812 Candidates |
Party
|
Electoral
Vote |
Popular
Vote |
| James Madison (Virginia) Elbridge Gerry (Mass.) |
Democratic-Republican
|
128
|
*
|
| DeWitt Clinton (New York) Jared Ingersoll (Penna.) |
Federalist
|
89
|
 |
|