Born in Virginia, Crawford moved to Georgia with his parents at a young age, and he grew up to become one of the state’s most popular politicians.

No candidate won a majority of the electoral vote and so the U.S. House of Representatives chose the president in a contingent election.

Under the terms of the U.S. Constitution, the House selected from the three candidates who received the most electoral votes, which left Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, and Crawford in the running.

Declining Adams's offer, Crawford returned to Georgia and accepted an appointment to the state superior court.

"[5] Throughout his service in the Senate, Crawford was described as a member of the older more traditional wing of the Democratic-Republican Party, and he often focused on issues such as states' rights, which he supported.

[6] In 1813, President James Madison appointed Crawford as the U.S. minister to France during the waning years of Napoleon's First French Empire.

Despite improved health and the support of former Presidents Madison and Thomas Jefferson, he finished third in the electoral vote, behind Senator and General Andrew Jackson, hero of the Battle of New Orleans, and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams.

Refusing Adams's request for him to remain at the Treasury, Crawford then returned to Georgia, where he was appointed as a state superior court judge.

Crawford was nominated for vice president by the Georgia legislature in 1828 but withdrew after support from other states was not forthcoming.

Crawford also considered running for vice president in 1832 but decided against it, in favor of Martin Van Buren.

Crawford also considered running for president again in 1832 but dropped the idea when Jackson decided to seek a second term.

His cousin, George W. Crawford, served as Secretary of War under President Zachary Taylor.