With the Democrats unable to agree on a single presidential candidate , the 1860 Republican National Convention in Chicago became crucial , as the nominee would be in a favorable position to become president . Prominent figures in the party such as Seward and Lincoln sought the nomination . Stevens continued to support the 75-year-old Justice McLean . Beginning on the second ballot , most Pennsylvania delegates supported Lincoln , helping to win the Illinoisan the nomination . As the Democrats put up no candidate in his district , Stevens was assured of reelection to the House and campaigned for Lincoln in Pennsylvania . Lincoln won a majority in the Electoral College . The President-elect 's known opposition to the expansion of slavery caused immediate talk of secession in the southern states , a threat that Stevens had downplayed during the campaign
1860 Republican National Convention
1860 Republican National Convention
Thaddeus Stevens