The Assembly districts were made up of entire towns, or city wards,[1] forming a contiguous area, all within the same county.

In New York City, the Democrats were split into two factions: Tammany Hall and the "County Democracy".

The approximate party strength at this election, as expressed by the vote for Judge of the Court of Appeals, was: Democratic/Republican 927,000; Prohibition 34,000; and Socialist Labor 13,000.

The Legislature met for the regular session at the State Capitol in Albany on January 6, 1891; and adjourned on April 30.

However, Governor Hill remained in office until the end of his term on December 31, 1891, and took his seat in the U.S. Senate only on January 7, 1892.