Rutherford Hayes had promised not to run for re-election, and he kept his promise. At the Republican convention of 1880, in Chicago, the leading contender was former President Grant, who wished to run for an unprecedented third term. Anti-Grant forces supported James Blain of Maine and John Sherman of Ohio. James Garfield gave a major speech in favor of Sherman, and much of the convention was impressed by the speech. The convention remained deadlocked through 34 ballots. Suddenly, Wisconsin voted its 16 votes for Garfield. Garfield, again, declared his support for Sherman, that did not stop the convention for voting for him. On the 36th ballot Garfield was nominated.

The election campaign itself was uninspiring. Very few issues divided the candidates. The only issue of substance was the issue of tariffs. The Democratic candidate, Winfield Hancock, supported one for the purposes of revenue only. The Republicans, led by Garfield, supported high tariffs. Hancock was a military officer, who had almost no other experience. This became very evident during the campaign. The popular election was close, but the electoral votes were overwhelmingly in favor of Garfield who became President.

Eligible Voters Participating: 71.3%