The 1798 New Jersey gubernatorial election was the selection of the state's chief executive for the term beginning in 1798, conducted under the provisions of the 1776 Constitution of New Jersey. At the time, the governor was elected not by a popular vote but by a joint ballot of the New Jersey General Assembly and Legislative Council (the two houses of the state legislature). The election was held in the legislative session of 1798, typically in late November or early December.
Background
Under the 1776 Constitution, the governor served a one‑year term and could be re‑elected for successive terms. The office was largely ceremonial, with limited executive authority, and the incumbent often enjoyed broad support within the legislature.
Candidates
- Richard Howell – A member of the Democratic‑Republican Party, Howell had served as governor since 1793, having been first elected by the legislature in that year. He sought re‑election for another term.
- No other candidate is recorded in contemporary legislative journals, indicating that Howell ran unopposed or faced only nominal opposition.
Election process
The election was decided by a joint ballot of the two legislative chambers. Each member cast a vote for a candidate; a simple majority was required for election. The vote was taken publicly and recorded in the journals of the General Assembly and Legislative Council.
Results
Richard Howell was re‑elected by the legislature. The exact vote tally is not preserved in widely accessible sources; however, legislative records of the period note that Howell received the necessary majority and continued in office for the 1798–1799 term.
Aftermath
Following his re‑election, Howell continued to serve as governor until 1801, when he chose not to seek further terms. The 1798 election reflected the political stability of New Jersey’s early state government, with the Democratic‑Republican faction maintaining control of the gubernatorial office through legislative selection.
Historical significance
The 1798 election exemplifies the early governor‑selection method in New Jersey, which differed from the popular elections adopted later in the 19th century. It illustrates the influence of the state legislature in executive appointments during the post‑Revolutionary era.
