After statehood was achieved on September 9, 1850, and until 1865, California elected its congressional representatives statewide at-large — two representatives from September 11, 1850, to 1861, and 3 representatives from 1861 to 1865.
Also, from 1883 to 1885, California elected two of its six representatives to the United States House of Representatives statewide at-large.
List of members representing the district
Congress and years Seat A Seat B Seat C Member Party Electoral history Member Party Electoral history Member Party Electoral history September 11, 1850 –March 3, 1851 George W. Wright Independent Elected in 1849.Retired. Edward Gilbert Democratic Elected in 1849.Retired. March 4, 1851 –March 3, 1853 Edward C. Marshall Democratic Elected late in 1851.Retired. Joseph W. McCorkle Democratic Elected late in 1851.Lost renomination. March 3, 1853 –March 3, 1855 Milton Latham Democratic Elected in 1852.Retired. James A. McDougall Democratic Elected in 1852.Lost re-election. March 4, 1855 –March 3, 1857 James W. Denver Democratic Elected in 1854.Retired. Philemon T. HerbertDemocratic Elected in 1854.Retired after manslaughter acquittal March 4, 1857 –March 3, 1859 Joseph C. McKibbin Democratic Elected in 1856.Lost re-election. Charles L. Scott Democratic Elected in 1856.Re-elected in 1859.Retired. March 4, 1859 –March 3, 1861 John C. Burch Democratic Elected in 1859.Retired. March 4, 1861 –June 3, 1862 Timothy Phelps Republican Elected in 1861.Retired. Aaron A. Sargent Republican Elected in 1861.Retired. Vacant June 3, 1862 –March 3, 1863 Frederick F. Low Republican Elected in 1861 but not permitted by the House to take his seat.Subsequently qualified under special Act of Congress.Retired. March 4, 1863 –March 3, 1865 Cornelius Cole Republican Elected in 1863.Retired to serve in the Civil War. William Higby Republican Elected in 1863.Redistricted to the . Thomas B. Shannon Republican Elected in 1863.Retired. March 4, 1865 –March 3, 1883 Seat eliminated Seat eliminated Seat eliminated March 4, 1883 –March 3, 1885 John R. Glascock Democratic Elected in 1882.Lost re-election in the . Charles A. Sumner Democratic Elected in 1882.Lost re-election in the .
Election results
In these elections, the top two vote-getters (three from 1861 to 1863) were elected to the House.
1849 The election was held November 13, 1849.
1849 United States House of Representatives election in California Party Votes Percentage Seats +/– Independent 20,481 79.44% 1 +1 Democratic 5,300 20.56% 1 +1 Totals 25,781 100.00% 2 —
1851 The 1851 election was held October 7, 1851.
1851 United States House of Representatives election in California Party Votes Percentage Seats +/– Democratic 48,784 53.92% 2 +1 Whig 41,684 46.08% 0 0 Independent 0 0.00% 0 –1 Totals 90,468 100.00% 2 —
1852 The election was held November 2, 1852.
1852 United States House of Representatives election in California Party Votes Percentage Seats +/– Democratic 79,268 53.38% 2 0 Whig 69,232 46.62% 0 0 Totals 148,500 100.00% 2 —
1854 The election was held September 6, 1854.
1854 United States House of Representatives election in California Party Votes Percentage Seats Democratic 95,178 58.0% 2 Whig 69,152 42.0% 0 Totals 164,330 100.0% 2
1856 The election was held November 4, 1856.
1856 United States House of Representatives election in California Party Votes Percentage Seats Democratic 101,708 47.0% 2 Know Nothing 71,403 33.0% 0 Republican 43,139 20.0% 0 Totals 216,250 100.0% 2
1859 The election was held September 7, 1859.
United States House of Representatives election in California, Party Votes Percentage Seats Democratic 161,106 79.4% 2 Republican 41,739 20.6% 0 Totals 202,845 100.0% 2
1861 The election was held September 4, 1861.
1861 United States House of Representatives election in California Party Votes Percentage Seats +/– Democratic 180,719 56.1% 0 -2 Republican 141,402 43.9% 3 +3 Totals 322,121 100.0% 3 —
1863 The election was held September 2, 1863.
1863 United States House of Representatives election in California Party Votes Percentage Seats Republican 194,882 69.1% 0 Democratic 87,087 30.9% 0 Totals 281,969 100.0% 3
1882 California elected two at-large representatives in addition to its four representatives in districts in 1882. For these results see 1882 United States House of Representatives elections in California.
See also Political party strength in California Political party strength in U.S. states
References
Congressional Biographical Directory of the United States 1774–present California Elections Page 1849 California Elections Page 1850 California Elections Page 1852 California Elections Page 1854 California Elections Page 1856 California Elections Page 1858 California Elections Page 1861 California Elections Page 1862
Sources Dubin, Michael J. (1998). United States Congressional elections, 1788-1997 : the official results of the elections of the 1st through 105th Congresses. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 1998.
External links California Legislative District Maps (1911-Present) RAND California Election Returns: District Definitions Our Campaigns - United States - California - CA - At Large