Polk defeats Clay in the 1844 US presidential election

Background. Martin Van Buren was the presumptive Democratic contender in spring 1844. However, expansionist Southern Democrats blocked his nomination at the Democratic National Convention. This allowed former Speaker James K. Polk to emerge as an unexpected compromise candidate. Meanwhile, Henry Clay became the leading Whig contender due to President Tyler's break with the party. Clay won the Whig nomination unanimously, setting up a contest focused on Texas annexation.

Campaign Issues. The 1844 campaigns evolved within the struggle over Texas annexation, tied to slavery expansion and national security. All candidates had to declare positions on this issue. Clay released the Alabama Letter on July 27, 1844, counseling Whigs to view annexation as a short phase in slavery's decline. President Tyler attempted to influence the election as a spoiler candidate after his treaty failed in the Senate.

Outcome. Polk defeated Clay in the general election. Polk was a dark-horse candidate who kept his pledge to serve one term. Clay returned to his career as an attorney after the defeat. Following Polk's victory, Congress approved the annexation of Texas, which was signed by President Tyler on his last day in office, March 3, 1845.