James Buchanan was the front runner at the Democratic convention in Cincinnati in June 1856. His major appeal was being abroad during the previous few years, thus being above much of the fray. Buchanan was nominated unanimously on the 17th ballot. The Democratic platform, among other things, supported the compromise of 1850, opposed federal interference in slavery and supported the building of the transcontinental railroad.

Buchanan had two opponents in the election, John Fremont (of the newly organized Republican party) and Millard Fillmore of the Know-Nothing party.

The Republicans opposed the extension of slavery, and held Pierce responsible for the violence in Kansas at the time. The Know-Nothing Party consisted of those opposed to immigration and to Catholic influence.

The slogan of the Republican party in the candidate was "Free Speech, Free Press, Free soil, Free Men, Fremont and Victory!" The Democrats claimed that the South would not stand for a victory of Fremont and would secede. In addition, they claimed that Fremont was a Catholic (which he wasn't, although he was married in a church) and that lost Fremont substantial support. The election would be decided in the North East and in the North East enough voters feared the threats of the south to secede that Buchanan won.

Participation of Eligible Voters: 78.9%