The 1928 New Jersey Democratic presidential primary was held on May 15, 1928, in New Jersey as one of the Democratic Party's statewide nomination contests ahead of the 1928 United States presidential election. Delegates to the 1928 Democratic National Convention were elected from each of the state's congressional districts, along with eight delegates at-large.
Most delegate races were uncontested; in fact, the only contested races were in two districts where multiple supporters of New York governor Al Smith competed against each other for the same slot. Many of the delegates who were formally uncommitted also supported Smith regardless. Ultimately, the delegation voted for Smith unanimously at the national convention.
Background Procedure In 1928, New Jersey was allocated 28 total delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Four delegates were elected at-large, and two delegates were elected from each of the state's twelve congressional districts, along with two alternates. Delegates were given the choice of pledging support to a particular candidate or running as uncommitted delegates.
Since most races were ultimately uncontested, the real contest was to be selected for party support to access the ballot; local party leaders designated preferred delegates ahead of time, determining who would likely represent the district at the convention. The May primary formally ratified their choices.
The state also held a presidential preference primary, but no candidates were on the ballot. Fewer than 30,000 votes were recorded as write-ins for Al Smith.
Campaign The county leaders from the second congressional district met on March 18 at the Ritz-Carlton in Atlantic City to endorse Smith and designate their delegate slate, which consisted of Atlantic County party chair Charles I. Lafferty and state committeeman William B. Vandegrift.
Endorsements
Results
Results by contest +1928 New Jersey Democratic primaryContestDelegatesand popular vote Uncommitted Smith Total At-large4 1st district2 15,1992nd district2 11,9073rd district2 22,9204th district2 22,6375th district2 20,4816th district2 23,3057th district2 16,4548th district11 26,5179th district2 12,40710th district2 22,19811th district2 49,35012th district2 34,840Total1311278,215
Aftermath Ultimately, the New Jersey delegation unanimously supported Smith at the 1928 Democratic National Convention.
See also 1928 Democratic Party presidential primaries 1928 Democratic National Convention 1928 New Jersey Republican presidential primary
References