Governor Daniel D. Tompkins was elected in 1807 as the candidate representing the Clinton faction of the Republican Party, defeating Morgan Lewis, a member of the Livingston family.

Shortly after his election, however, Tompkins defied De Witt Clinton by supporting the policy of President Thomas Jefferson, particularly the Embargo of 1807.

[2] The Federalist Party met in Albany on January 5, 1810, and nominated Jonas Platt, a pioneer from Oneida County and senator-elect.

Republicans, energized by their removal from many state offices by the Federalist Council of Appointments, were equally active and enlisted the help of the James Madison administration.

[5] Republican harmony was not universal, as several "Martling Men" (members of the Tammany Society and friends of the Madison administration) maneuvered to undermine De Witt Clinton as party leader.