The 1859 United States Senate election in Minnesota took place for the state's Class II seat on December 15, 1859, by the Minnesota legislature in a joint convention. Democratic incumbent James Shields drew the short-term Class II seat lot (expiring March 3, 1859) when he was elected on December 19, 1857, prior to Minnesota statehood.
Candidates
Democrat
Willis A. Gorman, former Minnesota Territorial Governor (1853–1857) James Shields, U.S. Senator since 1858, former Governor of Oregon Territory (1848–1849), former U.S. Senator from Illinois (1849–1855)
Republican
Morton S. Wilkinson, Attorney from Stillwater, former Minnesota territorial Representative from the 2nd House District (1849–1850), former Ramsey County Register of Deeds (1851–1853)
Results +1859 Minnesota U.S. Senate ElectionRepublicanMorton S. Wilkinson 7969.91DemocratJames Shields (inc.)3329.20DemocratWillis A. Gorman10.88 Total Votes133100.0
References