1848–49 United States Senate elections
Senators were elected over a wide range of time throughout 1848 and 1849, and a seat may have been filled months late or remained vacant due to legislative deadlock.Senate party division, 31st Congress (1849–1851) Note: "Re-elected" includes incumbent appointee elected to the next term.At this time New York Democratic Party was split in two fiercely opposing factions: the Barnburners" and the "Hunkers".The Barnburners organized the Free Soil Party in 1848 and nominated Martin Van Buren for U.S. President.Ex-Governor of New York William H. Seward was nominated by a caucus of Whig State legislators on February 1, 1849.