The 1808–09 United States House of Representatives elections were held on various dates in various states between April 26, 1808 and May 5, 1809. Each state set its own date for its elections to the House of Representatives before the first session of the 11th United States Congress convened on May 22, 1809. They coincided with James Madison being elected as president. Elections were held for all 142 seats, representing 17 states. Despite Madison's victory, voters in districts whose economies were driven by shipping or manufacturing rather than agriculture shifted to the Federalist Party mainly due to the unpopularity of the Embargo Act of 1807 and fears that Democratic-Republican Party policies could trigger a naval war with France or Britain. The politically dominant Democratic-Republicans won their smallest majority since the pivotal, realigning election of 1800. Election summaries Special elections There were special elections in 1808 and 1809 during the 10th United States Congress and 11th United States Congress. Elections are sorted here by date then district. 10th Congress |- ! | John Culpepper | | Federalist | 1806 | | Seat declared vacant January 2, 1808, due to a contest on account of alleged irregularities.Incumbent re-elected February 1, 1808.Democratic-Republican hold.Incumbent re-seated February 23, 1808.Incumbent later lost re-election, see below. | nowrap | |- ! | Ezra Darby | | Democratic-Republican | 1804 | | Incumbent died January 27, 1808.New member elected March 8–9, 1808.Democratic-Republican hold.Successor seated April 1, 1808.Successor later elected to the next term, see below. | nowrap | |- ! | David Thomas | | Democratic-Republican | 1800 | | Incumbent resigned February 5, 1808, to become New York State Treasurer..New member elected April 26–28, 1808.Democratic-Republican hold.Successor seated November 7, 1808.Successor lost election the same day to the next term in the redistricted , see below. | nowrap | |- ! | Jacob Crowninshield | | Democratic-Republican | 1802 | | Incumbent died April 15, 1808.New member elected May 4, 1808.Democratic-Republican hold.Successor seated December 20, 1808.Successor later retired instead of running for the next term, see below. | nowrap | |- ! | Nehemiah Knight | | Democratic-Republican | 1802 | | Incumbent died June 13, 1808.New member elected August 30, 1808.Federalist gain.Successor seated November 11, 1808.Successor also elected the same day to the next term, see below. | nowrap | |- ! | James Witherell | | Democratic-Republican | 1806 | | Incumbent resigned May 1, 1808,