1804 New York gubernatorial election was held in April 1804 to elect the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New York . Former New York Attorney General Morgan Lewis was elected governor over Aaron Burr , the incumbent Vice President of the United States . Although a Democratic-Republican , Burr was backed by members of the Federalist Party who wanted to see New York join the New England states in an independent confederation ( see Essex Junto ) . This scheme was opposed by High Federalist Alexander Hamilton , the party 's national leader . Lewis won the election handily and Burr subsequently killed Hamilton in a duel
killed Hamilton in a duel
Burr–Hamilton duel
1804 New York gubernatorial election