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Friday, Jun 12, 2026
Outside the box.
The Unusual 1872 US Presidential Election
When President Grant Ran Against a Deceased Opponent
The 1872 US presidential election, held on November 5, stands out as one of the most unusual in American history.
President Ulysses S. Grant sought reelection against Horace Greeley, the founder and editor of the New York Tribune, who was a vocal critic of Grant's administration.
Despite a split in the Republican Party, with the Liberal Republicans opposing Grant's policies, Grant remained popular, especially in the Southern states.
The Democratic Party, seeking to unseat Grant, endorsed Greeley, creating an alliance with the Liberal Republicans.
However, Greeley, known for his lack of political experience and blunt editorial opinions, struggled to gain traction among voters.
Grant won the election decisively, securing 31 of the 37 states.
Tragically, Greeley died three weeks after the popular vote on November 29, 1872.
This unprecedented event left the Electoral College in a quandary, as Greeley had won some electoral votes.
Ultimately, these votes were scattered among other Democratic candidates, but Grant's victory was not affected.
The 1872 election remains the only instance in US history where a major presidential candidate died between the popular vote and the Electoral College vote.
Grant's victory marked the start of a Republican winning streak that continued until 1884.
President Ulysses S. Grant sought reelection against Horace Greeley, the founder and editor of the New York Tribune, who was a vocal critic of Grant's administration.
Despite a split in the Republican Party, with the Liberal Republicans opposing Grant's policies, Grant remained popular, especially in the Southern states.
The Democratic Party, seeking to unseat Grant, endorsed Greeley, creating an alliance with the Liberal Republicans.
However, Greeley, known for his lack of political experience and blunt editorial opinions, struggled to gain traction among voters.
Grant won the election decisively, securing 31 of the 37 states.
Tragically, Greeley died three weeks after the popular vote on November 29, 1872.
This unprecedented event left the Electoral College in a quandary, as Greeley had won some electoral votes.
Ultimately, these votes were scattered among other Democratic candidates, but Grant's victory was not affected.
The 1872 election remains the only instance in US history where a major presidential candidate died between the popular vote and the Electoral College vote.
Grant's victory marked the start of a Republican winning streak that continued until 1884.