On election day in August 1841, Polk was defeated by 3,000 votes, the first time he had been beaten at the polls.[57] Polk returned to Columbia and the practice of law and prepared for a rematch against Jones in 1843, but though the new governor took less of a joking tone, it made little difference to the outcome, as Polk was beaten again,[65] this time by 3,833 votes.[66][67] In the wake of his second statewide defeat in three years, Polk faced an uncertain political future.[68]

Election of 1844[edit]
Main articles: 1844 United States presidential election and James K. Polk 1844 presidential campaign
Democratic nomination[edit]
Main article: 1844 Democratic National Convention
Despite his loss, Polk was determined to become the next vice president of the United States, seeing it as a path to the presidency.[69] Van Buren was the frontrunner for the 1844 Democratic nomination, and Polk engaged in a careful campaign to become his running mate.