Who won Virginia in the 1856 presidential election?

Buchanan (Democratic) carried Virginia in 1856, winning its 15 electoral votes.

How many electoral votes did Virginia have in 1856?

Virginia cast 15 electoral votes in the 1856 presidential election.

Did Virginia vote for the national winner in 1856?

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

Antebellum CrisisVA · 15 EV

1856

Virginia: Buchanan carries 15 EV.

Virginia cast its 15 electoral votes for Buchanan (Democratic). National winner: James Buchanan (Democratic) — Virginia voted with the national winner this cycle.

Reading the 1856 result in Virginia

Virginia backed Buchanan (Democratic) in the 1856 presidential election, casting 15 electoral votes for the ticket. That placed Virginia with the eventual winner: James Buchanan went on to take the presidency, and Virginia was part of his column.

Virginia stayed in the Democratic column for the 8th straight cycle, extending a run that began in 1828. The region divided — North Carolina joined Virginia for the Democratic ticket, while Tennessee, Kentucky, and Maryland did not. Over its 58 recorded presidential cycles, Virginia has backed the Democratic party more than any other — 33 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

Virginia full history →