August 2, 1852 - November 8, 1853 1854 → 86 seats 4 seats 71 4 Start date 1852 | 130 seats 86 seats 158 71 28 15 | |
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Winner Linn Boyd | ||
Elections to the United States House of Representatives for the 33rd Congress were held at various dates in each state between August 2, 1852 (in Iowa and Missouri) and November 8, 1853 (in Mississippi).
Contents
This election cycle saw the Democrats increase their House majority and gain the presidency (under Franklin Pierce). Although sectionalism remained a huge problem, the parties got a slight boost of stability due to the unity of a bitter presidential campaign. Two small third parties, the Constitutional Unionists and States' Rights parties, quickly collapsed prior to this election, while the anti-slavery Free Soil Party held onto its four seats. In addition, one Independent, Caleb Lyon, was elected to New York's 23rd District.
Election summaries
Following the 1850 Census, the House was reapportioned. In the initial apportionment bill, the number of seats was unchanged at 233, but subsequently one additional seat was added to California's delegation, keeping its representation the same, and increasing the total apportionment by one seat to 234, due to returns from California being determined to be incomplete. One State lost 2 seats, 7 States lost 1 seat each, 15 States had no change in apportionment, 6 States gained 1 seat each, and 2 States gained 2 seats each.
California
Note: From statehood to 1864, California's representatives were elected at-large, with the top two vote-getters winning election from 1849 to 1858; in 1860 when California gained a seat in the House the top three vote-getters were elected.