Incumbent President Andrew Jackson decided to retire after two terms . Jackson publicly endorsed a ticket consisting of Vice President Martin Van Buren of New York and Representative Richard M. Johnson of Kentucky , the latter of whom had gained popular favor for his role in the War of 1812 . Several Southerners opposed Johnson 's nomination due to Johnson 's relationship with his African-American slave , and the Virginia delegates supported Senator William Cabell Rives against Johnson . Rives 's candidacy failed to galvanize support , and Jackson 's preferred ticket was nominated at the 1835 Democratic National Convention held in Baltimore , Maryland
1835 Democratic National Convention
1835 Democratic National Convention
1836 United States presidential election