Who won Illinois in the 1856 presidential election?

Buchanan (Democratic) carried Illinois in 1856, winning its 11 electoral votes.

How many electoral votes did Illinois have in 1856?

Illinois cast 11 electoral votes in the 1856 presidential election.

Did Illinois vote for the national winner in 1856?

Yes. Illinois backed James Buchanan, who won the presidency that year.

Antebellum CrisisIL · 11 EV

1856

Illinois: Buchanan carries 11 EV.

Illinois cast its 11 electoral votes for Buchanan (Democratic). National winner: James Buchanan (Democratic) — Illinois voted with the national winner this cycle.

Illinois in 1856

The 1856 contest saw Illinois line up behind Buchanan, delivering 11 electoral votes to the Democratic ticket. That placed Illinois with the eventual winner: James Buchanan went on to take the presidency, and Illinois was part of his column.

Illinois stayed in the Democratic column for the 8th straight cycle, extending a run that began in 1828. The region divided — Missouri and Indiana joined Illinois for the Democratic ticket, while Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kentucky did not. Over its 53 recorded presidential cycles, Illinois has backed the Democratic party more than any other — 26 times in all. The vote fell within the Antebellum Crisis — Slavery splits the parties.

Nationally, James Buchanan finished with 174 of the 296 electoral votes to John C. Frémont's 114. James Buchanan led the national popular vote with 45.29% of the ballots cast.

The 1856 national map

Illinois full history →