35th United States Congress

The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives was based on the 1850 United States census.

During this congress, two Senate seats were added for each of the new states of Minnesota and Oregon.

Senators were elected by the state legislatures every two years, with one-third beginning new six-year terms with each Congress.

Preceding the names in the list below are Senate class numbers, which indicate the cycle of their election.

The names of members of the House of Representatives are preceded by their district numbers.

Group photo of the U.S. Senate, in 1859, during this Congress.
President of the Senate
John C. Breckinridge
Senators' party membership by state at the opening of the 35th Congress in March 1857. The green stripes represent Know-Nothings . The senators from Minnesota and Oregon were not seated until later in the Congress.
2 Democrats
1 Democrat and 1 Republican
2 Republicans
2 Know-Nothings
Senate President pro tempore
James Murray Mason , March 4, 1857
Senate President pro tempore
Thomas J. Rusk , March 14, 1857 – July 29, 1857
Senate President pro tempore
Benjamin Fitzpatrick , from December 7, 1857
House seats by party holding plurality in state
80.1-100% Democratic
80.1-100% Republican
60.1-80% Democratic
60.1-80% Republican
Up to 60% Democratic
Up to 60% Republican
House Speaker
James L. Orr