1808–09 United States Senate elections

The 1808–09 United States Senate elections were held on various dates in various states, coinciding with the 1808 presidential election. As these U.S. Senate elections were prior to the ratification of the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913, senators were chosen by state legislatures. Senators were elected over a wide range of time throughout 1808 and 1809, and a seat may have been filled months late or remained vacant due to legislative deadlock. In these elections, terms were up for the senators in Class 1.

The Federalist Party gained one seat in these elections. The Federalists had gone into the elections with such a small share of Senate seats (6 out of 34, or 18%) that even if they had won every election, they would have still remained a minority caucus.

Results summary
Senate party division, 11th Congress (1809–1811)


 * Majority party: Democratic-Republican (26)
 * Minority party: Federalist (7–8)
 * Other parties: 0
 * Total seats: 34

Race summaries
Except if/when noted, the number following candidates is the whole number vote(s), not a percentage.

Special elections during the preceding Congress
In these special elections, the winner was elected during 1808 or before March 4, 1809; ordered by election date.

Races leading to the next Congress
In these regular elections, the winner was seated on March 4, 1809; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 1 seats.

Special elections during the next Congress
In this special election, the winner was elected in 1809 after March 4; ordered by election date.

Early race leading to the Congress-after-next
In this regular election, the winner was seated on March 4, 1811; ordered by state.

This election involved a Class 2 seat.

Maryland
Samuel Smith was appointed to the seat as opposed to a re-election, due to the State House and State Senate unable to come to an agreement on how to elect a Senator.

Samuel Smith then won re-election over John Eager Howard by a margin of 27.59%, or 24 votes, for the Class 1 seat.

Class 1
Joseph Anderson, a Democratic-Republican, held a prominent position in Class 1 of the United States Senate, serving intermittently in both the mentioned Senate seat and the other throughout a substantial period, commencing in 1797. His presence in the Senate reflected his notable political influence and the confidence reposed in him by the electorate. Anderson's periodic service underscored the dynamic nature of early American politics, where individuals frequently transitioned between public service and other pursuits. His extended tenure afforded him the opportunity to contribute to various legislative discussions and debates, leaving a lasting impact on the political landscape during a pivotal era in the nation's history.

Tennessee (regular, class 1)


The Tennessee state legislature encountered a challenge in electing a new senator, resulting in a temporary vacancy in the representation. The seat faced the prospect of becoming officially vacant at the commencement of the term on March 4, 1809. However, in response to the legislative deadlock, the Governor of Tennessee, Willie Blount, took a proactive step and appointed Joseph Anderson to initiate the term on an interim basis. This appointment served as a temporary measure, bridging the gap until a special election could be conducted to fill the senatorial position in accordance with the democratic process.

Tennessee (special, class 1)
Joseph Anderson secured election on April 11, 1809, thereby formalizing his position to complete the senatorial term. This electoral outcome marked the resolution of the previous legislative challenges, as Anderson garnered the necessary support to officially fill the Senate seat.

Class 2
Democratic-Republican Daniel Smith entered the political arena with his initial election in 1803, marking the commencement of his service in public office. His affiliation with the Democratic-Republican party underlines the prevailing political dynamics of the time, as the United States navigated through the early years of the 19th century.

Tennessee (special, class 2)
Smith resigned March 31, 1809.

Democratic-Republican Jenkin Whiteside was elected April 11, 1809 to finish Smith's term, which would end 1809.

Tennessee (regular, class 2)
Whiteside was re-elected early October 28, 1809, unopposed.