Senators were elected over a wide range of time throughout 1848 and 1849, and a seat may have been filled months late or remained vacant due to legislative deadlock.

Senate party division, 31st Congress (1849–1851) Note: "Re-elected" includes incumbent appointee elected to the next term.

[11] James Pearce won re-election by an unknown margin of votes, for the Class 3 seat.

In November 1848, Dix was the Barnburners/Free-Soilers candidate for Governor of New York, but was defeated by Whig Hamilton Fish.

At this time New York Democratic Party was split in two fiercely opposing factions: the Barnburners" and the "Hunkers".

The Barnburners organized the Free Soil Party in 1848 and nominated Martin Van Buren for U.S. President.

Ex-Governor of New York William H. Seward was nominated by a caucus of Whig State legislators on February 1, 1849.