The 1859 United States Senate election in Minnesota took place for the state's Class II seat on December 15, 1859, by the Minnesota legislature in a joint convention. Democratic incumbent James Shields drew the short-term Class II seat lot (expiring March 3, 1859) when he was elected on December 19, 1857, prior to Minnesota statehood.
Candidates
Democrat
- Willis A. Gorman, former Minnesota Territorial Governor (1853âÂÂ1857)
- James Shields, U.S. Senator since 1858, former Governor of Oregon Territory (1848âÂÂ1849), former U.S. Senator from Illinois (1849âÂÂ1855)
Republican
- Morton S. Wilkinson, Attorney from Stillwater, former Minnesota territorial Representative from the 2nd House District (1849âÂÂ1850), former Ramsey County Register of Deeds (1851âÂÂ1853)
Results
References