Senators were elected over a wide range of time throughout 1896 and 1897, and a seat may have been filled months late or remained vacant due to legislative deadlock.

Democrat David B. Hill had been elected to this seat in 1891, and his term would expire on March 3, 1897.

The caucus nominated the Republican boss Thomas C. Platt, who had been briefly a U.S.

46 State legislators attended, but 5 walked out before the roll was called, after making speeches against Hill.

Thomas C. Platt was the choice of both the Assembly and the state senate, and was declared elected.

Conservative Joseph H. Earle and Newberry native John T. Duncan announced their candidacy's in opposition to Governor Evans.

In the primary on August 26 Evans emerged as the frontrunner, but did not garner over 50% of the vote and was forced to face Earle in a runoff election.

Those who had voted for Duncan threw their support to Earle and it provided him with the margin he needed for victory over Evans.