1870 North Carolina's 4th congressional district special election

A special election to the United States House of Representatives for North Carolina's 4th congressional district was held August 4, 1870.

The winning candidate would serve in the United States House of Representatives to represent North Carolina in the 41st Congress until the General election on November 26, 1870.

Background
Incumbent U.S. Representative John T. Deweese resigned his seat on February 28, 1870 before he was censured by the House of Representatives on March 1, 1870, for selling an appointment to the Naval Academy. A special election was held to replace his seat.

Nominee

 * Robert B. Gilliam, state representative and speaker of the North Carolina house (Also identified as a Democrat)

Nominee

 * Madison Hawkins, politician who later became the Chief of the US Census Bureau in northeastern NC (1890)

Aftermath
Representative-elect Robert B. Gilliam, died before taking office, necessitating the November 26 special election.