1885 Chicago mayoral election

1885 Chicago mayoral election

← 1883 April 7, 1885 1887 →

Nominee Carter Harrison Sr. Sidney Smith Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 43,352 42,977 Percentage 50.09% 49.66%

Mayor before election Carter Harrison Sr. Democratic Elected Mayor Carter Harrison Sr. Democratic

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The Chicago mayoral election of 1885 saw Democratic incumbent Carter Harrison Sr. win an unprecedented fourth term, receiving a majority of voter and narrowly defeating Republican Sidney Smith by a less than half-percent margin of victory.

The election was held on April 7.^[1][2]

Campaign[]

Republicans exploited controversies which had tarnished the image of Harrison's administration. Unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud and patronage had been key controversies throughout his mayoralty.^[3] In February 1885, a month before the election, a grand jury found Michael Cassius McDonald's right-hand man Joseph Mackin and others with connections to Harrison guilty of election fraud in the 1884 elections. Despite the fact that no personal wrongdoing on Harrison's part was involved in these charges, the charges against Mackin and others compounded with the preexisting rumors relating to Harrison to foster a public sentiment that challenged Harrison's popularity.^[3][4]

Citizens groups led by the city's elite forged a strong campaign effort against Harrison, taking advantage of the voter fraud charges against those connected to Harrison.^[4]

Harrison lost the support of many liberal German voters that had previously voted for him.^[3]

Results[]

Less than 50% of the city's German population voted for Harrison.^[3]

References[]