John C. Breckenridge

Democrats split between Douglas, Breckenridge, & Bell in the election of 1860; South had walked out of two prior conventions, one in Charleston, VA, the other in Baltimore, MD & created their own "rival convention"; nominated Breckenridge, who advocated extension of slavery into all territories and annexation of Cuba; was not a disunionist, although he was the candidate of the "fire-eaters"; polled fewest number of votes