Richard Dobbs Spaight Jr.

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Richard Dobbs Spaight Jr. portrait

Richard Dobbs Spaight Jr.

U.S.A.

Party Democrat;Democratic-Republican
Latest Campaign State Governor
Date of Birth 1796
Date of Death Nov. 17, 1850 (Age: 54)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Data
Personal Background

Richard Dobbs Spaight Jr. was born in New Bern, North Carolina, in 1796. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1815 and was admitted to the bar in 1818. Spaight Jr. began his political career by being elected to the North Carolina House of Commons in 1819 and later to the North Carolina Senate in 1820. He transitioned to federal politics by being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1823. Despite multiple attempts, he was unsuccessful in his bids for the governorship until his election as the 27th governor of North Carolina in 1835.

Political Ideas

Richard Dobbs Spaight Jr. stands out for his staunch opposition to state-funded internal improvements, a stance that contrasts sharply with the prevailing pro-development sentiment of his era. His ideological rigidity in this area reveals a deeply localized focus, prioritizing state sovereignty over federal initiatives. Spaight Jr.'s rhetorical style is marked by a principled conservatism that resists broad federal interventions, even as he navigates the complexities of state governance. This unique blend of regional loyalty and fiscal conservatism raises intriguing questions about his broader policy approach and the underlying rationale for his positions.

Campaigns
1836: North Carolina State Governor

Election History

North Carolina gubernatorial election, 1836

31,018 votes (46.42%)

Loss

Winner: Edward Dudley

1835: North Carolina State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

North Carolina gubernatorial election, 1835

103 votes (53.09%)

Win
1832: North Carolina State Governor

Election History

North Carolina gubernatorial election, 1832

85 votes (43.81%)

Loss

Winner: David L. Swain

1831: North Carolina State Governor

Election History

North Carolina gubernatorial election, 1831

83 votes (43.68%)

Loss

Winner: Montfort Stokes

1830: North Carolina State Governor

Election History

North Carolina gubernatorial election, 1830

75 votes (40.32%)

Loss

Winner: Montfort Stokes

1828: North Carolina State Governor

Election History

North Carolina gubernatorial election, 1828

92 votes (48.42%)

Loss

Winner: John Owen

1827: North Carolina State Governor

Election History

North Carolina gubernatorial election, 1827

80 votes (43.48%)

Loss

Winner: James Iredell Jr.