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

The Constitutional Union (consisting of former "Silver Gray" Whigs and Know Nothings) held a state convention and joined the Peace Democrats.

The Legislature met for the regular session at the Old State Capitol in Albany on January 6, 1863; and adjourned on April 25.

On January 26, after three weeks of deadlock, Democrat Theophilus C. Callicot (D) was elected Speaker on the 92nd ballot, receiving the votes of the Republicans.

On February 3, the Legislature elected Ex-Governor Edwin D. Morgan (R) to succeed Preston King (R) as U.S.