Madison vs. Monroe: The Forgotten Congressional Race Between Two Future Presidents
Most people know about the political rivalry between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Far fewer know that two future presidents once ran against each other for the very same Congressional seat—and somehow remained close friends throughout the campaign.
Many people are at least familiar with the fact that Jefferson and Adams were bitterly divided for a number of years, even if they don’t remember the exact circumstances. But how many know about an earlier political battle between two future presidents who were actually able to keep politics and their personal lives separated?
America Was Still Finding Its Footing
The year was 1788, and following ratification of the Constitution, it was time to elect representatives to the Senate and House of Representatives, through the state legislature and the people, respectively. (Remember, there was no direct election of senators until the 17th Amendment in 1913.)
And contrary to George Washington’s wishes, political factions were already in full swing. These weren’t full-fledged parties yet, but rather two ideological groups that had developed over the Constitution.
Federalists were in support of the document. Antifederalists were either opposed or voicing serious concerns about a lack of a Bill of Rights.
Patrick Henry was a staunch antifederalist who wanted Virginia’s representatives to be of the same mind, and James Madison, a federalist as the Father of the Constitution, definitely did not suit that bill. Henry successfully had Madison blocked as a senator, but then the race for the House of Representatives began.
Patrick Henry's Political Strategy
What followed was a tale of political intrigue many don’t associate with our Founding Fathers.
Henry created a gerrymandering situation amongst Virginia’s districts before the term had even been coined, doing everything in his power to create an antifederalist district stronghold where Madison stood no chance of being elected.
And the opponent to run against Madison?
None other than James Monroe.
This would be the only time to date that two future presidents would run against each other for the same Congressional seat.
Madison and Monroe: Two Very Different Men
Much as people like to compare and contrast descriptions of Jefferson and Adams, you can do the same with Madison and Monroe.
Madison was short of stature (5 foot 4), slightly balding, and had been sickly since childhood. While physically often described as frail, Madison was an intellectual who preferred writing to speaking and using logic over emotion. He could be shy in social settings and didn’t seek out attention.
Monroe, on the other hand, was 6 feet tall and continued to carry himself like the Revolutionary War hero he was. (As an aside, he was seriously wounded in the Battle of Trenton, you know, after the famous Washington crossing of the Delaware.) He was much more comfortable in social settings, shaking hands and swapping stories.
What makes quite the tale is despite their differences, these two men found a way to run against each other, debate their politics, and keep their personal friendship intact.
Campaigning in 1788 Looked Very Different
To understand how truly unique this was, you need to know a little bit about campaigning and elections at that time.
Remember, they are running in 1788 for an election that was to take place in February of 1789.
And the way elections were run at that time definitely did not compliment Madison’s reserved nature.
First of all, candidates were often expected to appear in a local place, such as a courthouse, to verbally hear how constituents were casting their vote.
Secondly, there was this concept of "treating" in which those running (or their supporters) treated voters to alcohol, sweets, or even luncheons. While this was viewed as hospitality rather than bribery, Madison was uncomfortable with the tradition—so uncomfortable, in fact, that he refused to do it in 1777, a fact that many attributed as a factor in his loss.
So in the run up to the 1789 election, Madison allowed himself to be talked into attending these get-togethers and conversing with voters.
He firmly believed he had an uphill battle in front of him.
The Bill of Rights Debate
In addition to Patrick Henry’s redistricting of the area to insure it was full of antifederalists, Baptists in the area were convinced that Madison was against amending the Constitution to preserve religious rights.
On the one hand, this may seem silly because he had already supported the Virginia Declaration of Rights, but here’s something most have forgotten:
Madison did not originally support adding a Bill of Rights to the Constitution.
The jovial James Monroe with his antifederalist stance seemed a better choice.
During the Constitutional Convention, Madison believed a federal Bill of Rights was not needed as that states would protect people’s individual rights.
As time went on, he came to realize how strongly well-informed people felt about those rights being protected by the founding document.
So, during the election season, Madison had come to agree with Monroe that a Bill of Rights was needed; they simply disagreed on other issues such as taxation.
A Campaign Unlike Any Other
What is fascinating is how the debates over those viewpoints occurred.
The two men would often travel together to the courthouses and churches that held the debates, even sharing rooms during that time.
Can you imagine?
Two men, running for the same seat, strongly disagreeing on certain matters, yet still civil enough to travel and room together.
Quite the story, indeed.
Madison Wins the Election
Madison ultimately won the election.
Shortly after, he wrote to Thomas Jefferson, saying:
"It was my misfortune to be thrown into a contest with our friend, Colonel Monroe. The occasion produced considerable efforts among our respective friends. Between ourselves, I have no reason to doubt that the distinction was duly kept in mind between political and personal views, and that it has saved our friendship from the smallest diminution."
In other words, these two future presidents embraced civil discourse, argued their political ideas, and maintained their personal relationship.
The Lasting Impact
A significant impact of this 1789 election was Madison’s changing thoughts on the necessity of a Bill of Rights.
Arguably, the most important thing he would do while a congressman would be to draft the first ten amendments to the Constitution.
And don’t worry about Mr. Monroe.
He, too, would go on to serve our country in multiple ways and make his own mark, which is a story for another day.
As for the two men and their time as opponents, Madison had this to say:
"Perhaps there never was another instance of two men brought so often, and so directly at points, who retained their cordiality towards each other unimpaired through the whole."
One of History's Greatest Forgotten Stories
And that, my friends, is just one of the amazing stories of American history that is rarely told.
The election between James Madison and James Monroe reminds us that passionate disagreement and personal respect once walked hand in hand. They debated ideas, defended principles, and challenged one another without sacrificing friendship.
It's a remarkable chapter in America's founding—and one well worth remembering.
If you enjoy discovering the forgotten stories behind America's Founding Fathers, be sure to explore more historical articles here on GinnyHoo.com.
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