1870 New York state election
The 1870 New York state election was held on November 8, 1870, to elect the governor, the lieutenant governor, the New York State Comptroller, two Canal Commissioners and an Inspector of State Prisons, as well as all members of the New York State Assembly. This followed the 1870 New York special judicial election.
History
The Republican state convention met on September 7 at Saratoga Springs, New York. Due to the factional struggle between the followers of Roscoe Conkling and Reuben E. Fenton, the Temporary Chairman was not proposed and adopted by acclamation, as traditionally done, but was elected. George William Curtis, the Conkling man, was chosen by the delegates. Thereupon, Conkling proposed Charles H. Van Wyck, the Fenton man, as president, which was adopted. Stewart L. Woodford was nominated for Governor on the second ballot. DeWitt Clinton Littlejohn was nominated for Lieutenant Governor on the first ballot. Abiah W. Palmer was nominated for Comptroller by acclamation. On September 8, Absalom Nelson, of Erie County, was nominated for Canal Commissioner by acclamation. Alexander Barkley was nominated for Canal Commissioner on the first ballot. Littlejohn declined to run and suggested the choice of Kaufman, who was then nominated. John Parkhurst, the Warden of Clinton State Prison, was nominated for Prison Inspector by acclamation.Result
The whole Democratic ticket, made up of the six incumbent officers, was re-elected.65 Democrats and 63 Republicans were elected for the session of 1871 to the New York State Assembly.