His efforts to further the admission of new western states were stymied by Democrats, who feared that the new states would elect Republicans to Congress.[81]
In 1885 the Democrats redistricted the Indiana state legislature, which resulted in an increased Democratic majority in 1886, despite an overall Republican majority statewide.[82] In 1887, largely as a result of the Democratic gerrymandering of Indiana's legislative districts, Harrison was defeated in his bid for reelection.[24] Following a deadlock in the state senate, the state legislature eventually chose Democrat David Turpie as Harrison's successor in the Senate.[83] Harrison returned to Indianapolis and resumed his law practice, but stayed active in state and national politics.[84] A year after his senatorial defeat, Harrison declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination; he dubbed himself a "living and rejuvenated Republican," a reference to his lack of a power base.[80] Thereafter, the phrase "'Rejuvenated Republicanism' became the slogan of his presidential campaign."[80]

Election of 1888
Main article: 1888 United States presidential election
Nomination for president
Main article: 1888 Republican National Convention
Harrison–Morton campaign poster
The initial favorite for the Republican nomination was the previous nominee, James G. Blaine of Maine. 