1928 New Jersey Democratic presidential primary
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Presidential delegate primary | |||||||||||||||||||
28 Democratic National Convention delegates | |||||||||||||||||||
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Presidential preference primary (non-binding) | |||||||||||||||||||
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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.[1] 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.[1]
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.[2]
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.[1]
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.[2]
Endorsements
- U.S. representatives
- Daniel F. Minahan, former U.S. representative from New Jersey's 9th congressional district (ran for district delegate)[1]
- State legislators
- Local officials
- George V. McDonough, member of the West Orange Town Commission[4] (ran for district delegate)[1]
- Party officials
- Charles I. Lafferty, chair of the Atlantic County Democratic Party
- William B. Vandegrift, member of the Democratic State Committee from Burlington County
- U.S. representatives
- Oscar L. Auf der Heide, U.S. representative from New Jersey's 11th congressional district (ran for district delegate)[1]
- Individuals
- John J. Quinn, vice president of Raritan Trust Company of Perth Amboy and brother of Arthur A. Quinn (ran for district delegate)[1]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Al Smith (write-in) | 28,506 | 100.00% | |
| Total votes | 28,506 | 100.00% | ||
Results by contest
| Contest | Delegates and popular vote | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncommitted | Smith | Total | |
| At-large | 4 1,170,433 (100.00%) |
– | |
| 1st district | – | 2 15,199 (100.00%) |
15,199 |
| 2nd district | 2[a] 11,907 (100.00%) |
– | 11,907 |
| 3rd district | 2 22,920 (100.00%) |
– | 22,920 |
| 4th district | 2[b] 22,637 (100.00%) |
– | 22,637 |
| 5th district | – | 2[c] 20,481 (100.00%) |
20,481 |
| 6th district | 2 23,305 (100.00%) |
– | 23,305 |
| 7th district | – | 2 16,454 (100.00%) |
16,454 |
| 8th district | 1 13,249 (49.96%) |
1 13,268 (50.04%) |
26,517 |
| 9th district | – | 2 12,407 (100.00%) |
12,407 |
| 10th district | – | 2[d] 22,198 (100.00%) |
22,198 |
| 11th district | 2 49,350 (100.00%) |
– | 49,350 |
| 12th district | 2 34,840 (100.00%) |
– | 34,840 |
| Total | 13 178,208 (64.05%) |
11 100,007 (35.95%) |
278,215 |
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
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Results of the Primary Election Held May 15th, 1928" (PDF). New Jersey Department of State.
- ^ a b "SMITH BACKED IN JERSEY.; Democrats of Second District Also Pick Convention Delegates". The New York Times. March 19, 1928. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
- ^ "JOHN MATTHEWS, JERSEY LAWYER; Former Advisory Master in Court of Chancery Dead, Leading Catholic Layman". The New York Times. April 21, 1960.
- ^ "George V. McDonough Dies". The New York Times. December 30, 1964.