Under the provisions of the New York Constitution of 1821, 32 senators were elected on general tickets in eight senatorial districts for four-year terms.

Assemblymen were elected countywide on general tickets to a one-year term, the whole assembly being renewed annually.

In New York City the American Republican Party nominated a full ticket The state election was held on November 7, 1843.

On January 1, the Democratic assemblymen met in caucus and nominated Elisha Litchfield (Hunker) for Speaker with 56 votes against 35 for Michael Hoffman (Barnburner).

The legislature met for the regular session at the Old State Capitol in Albany on January 2, 1844; and adjourned on May 7.

The Democratic state convention met on September 4 at Syracuse, Heman J. Redfield (Hunker) was chairman.

The Whig state convention met on September 11 at Syracuse, Francis Granger was chairman.