August 1798 United States Senate special election in New York

The second 1798 United States Senate special election in New York was held on August 17, 1798, by the New York State Legislature to elect a U.S. Senator (Class 1) to represent the State of New York in the United States Senate.

Background

Federalist John Sloss Hobart had been elected in January 1798 for the remainder of Philip Schuyler's term (1797–1803) but had resigned on April 16 after his appointment to the United States District Court for the District of New York. Federalist William North was appointed by Governor John Jay to fill the vacancy temporarily, and took his seat on May 21, Congress being in session until July 16, 1798.

At the State election in April 1798, Federalist majorities were elected to both houses of the 22nd New York State Legislature which met from August 9 to 17, 1798; and from January 2 to April 3, 1799, at Albany, New York.

Candidates

Ex-Speaker James Watson, a State Senator until the previous session, was the candidate of the Federalist Party.

First Judge of the Albany County Court John Tayler was the candidate of the Democratic-Republican Party.

Result

Watson was the choice of both the State Senate and the State Assembly, and was declared elected.

**August 1798 United States Senator special election result**
Office	House	Federalist		Democratic-Republican
U.S. Senator	State Senate (43 members)	James Watson	30	John Tayler	9
	State Assembly (108 members)	James Watson	57	John Tayler	48

Aftermath

Watson took his seat on December 11, 1798, but resigned on March 19, 1800, after his appointment as Naval Officer of the Port of New York. The State Legislature held a special election in April 1800, and elected Gouverneur Morris to fill the vacancy.

References

The New York Civil List compiled in 1858 (see: pg. 63 for U.S. Senators; pg. 117 for State Senators 1798-99; page 172 for Members of Assembly 1798-99)
Members of the Fifth United States Congress
Members of the Sixth United States Congress
History of Political Parties in the State of New-York by Jabez Delano Hammond (pages 121f)
Election result at Tufts University Library project "A New Nation Votes" (omits part of the text, it should read: "...James Watson [of New York City, 30 votes; John Tayler,] esq. of Albany 9 - Maj. 21")