1868–69 United States House of Representatives elections

The 1868–69 United States House of Representatives elections were held on various dates in various states between June 1, 1868, and August 2, 1869. Each state set its own date for its elections to the House of Representatives before or after the first session of the 41st United States Congress convened on March 4, 1869. They coincided with the 1868 United States presidential election, which was won by Ulysses S. Grant. Elections were held for all 243 seats, representing 37 states. All of the former Confederate states were represented in Congress for the first time since they seceded from the Union.

1868–69 United States House of Representatives elections

June 1, 1868 – August 2, 1869

All 243 seats in the United States House of Representatives
122 seats needed for a majority
  Majority party Minority party
 
Leader James Blaine Michael Kerr
Party Republican Democratic
Leader's seat Maine 3rd Indiana 3rd
Last election 175 seats 47 seats
Seats won 171 67
Seat change 4 20
Popular vote 3,050,307 2,598,042
Percentage 51.81% 44.13%
Swing 3.55% 3.44%

  Third party Fourth party
 
Party Conservative Independent
Last election 2 seats 2 seats
Seats won 5 0
Seat change 3 2
Popular vote 187,553 58,332
Percentage 3.19% 0.99%
Swing 1.19% 0.77%

Map of U.S. House elections results from 1868 elections for 41st Congress

Speaker before election

Theodore M. Pomeroy
Republican

Elected Speaker

James Blaine
Republican

The Democrats gained 20 seats, but Grant's Republican Party retained a commanding majority in the Reconstruction era following the American Civil War, holding onto a firm legitimacy through an association with victory. As more Southern states exited Reconstruction, more Democratic seats appeared in the South. However, Democratic gains in the South were limited, as the Republican power-brokers of Reconstruction held a great deal of influence. The small Conservative Party of Virginia also picked up several seats in Virginia, as it had support among wealthy Southern leaders who wanted to increase the region's power.

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