1808–09 United States House of Representatives elections
House elections for the 11th U.S. Congress
The 1808–09 United States House of Representatives elections were held on various dates in various states between April 26, 1808, and May 5, 1809. Each state set its own date for its elections to the House of Representatives before the first session of the 11th United States Congress convened on May 22, 1809. They coincided with James Madison being elected as president. Elections were held for all 142 seats, representing 17 states.
Despite Madison's victory, voters in districts whose economies were driven by shipping or manufacturing rather than agriculture shifted to the Federalist Party. The reasons for this shift were the unpopularity of the Embargo Act of 1807 and fears that Democratic-Republican Party policies could trigger a naval war with the First French Empire or Britain. The politically dominant Democratic-Republicans won their smallest majority since the pivotal, realigning election of 1800.
Election summaries
Special elections
There were special elections in 1808 and 1809 during the 10th United States Congress and 11th United States Congress.
Elections are sorted here by date then district.
10th Congress
11th Congress
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia
Indiana Territory
See Non-voting delegates, below.
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