George Clinton

George Clinton (26 July [O.S. 15 July] 1739 – April 20, 1812) was an American soldier, statesman, and a prominent Democratic-Republican in the formative years of the United States. Clinton served as the fourth vice president during the second term of Thomas Jefferson's presidency and the first term of James Madison's presidency from 1805 until his death in 1812. He also served as the first governor of New York from 1777 to 1795 and again from 1801 to 1804; his tenure makes him the second-longest-serving governor in U.S. history. Clinton was the first vice president to die in office and the first to die at all. He was also the first of two vice presidents to serve under two different presidents.

Born in the Province of New York on July 26, 1739, Clinton served in the French and Indian War, rising to the rank of lieutenant in the colonial militia. He began a legal practice after the war and served as a district attorney for New York City. Then he became a Member of the New York State Assembly from 1768 to 1775. He became Governor of New York in 1777 and remained in that office until 1795. Clinton supported the cause of independence during the American Revolutionary War and served in the Continental Army despite his gubernatorial position. During and after the war, Clinton was an opponent of Vermont's entrance into the Union on account of disputes over land claims.

Clinton became the longest continuously serving governor in US history, with a tenure of 17 years, 11 months, and two days from 1777 to 1795. He opposed the ratification of the United States Constitution, became a prominent Anti-Federalist, and advocated for the addition of the United States Bill of Rights. In the early 1790s, he emerged as a leader of the incipient Democratic-Republican Party, serving as the party's vice presidential candidate in the 1792 presidential election. Clinton received the third most electoral votes in the election, as President George Washington and Vice President John Adams both won re-election. Clinton did not seek re-election in 1795, but returned to the governorship from 1801 to 1804. With a total tenure of 20 years, 11 months, and two days, Clinton was the longest-serving governor in U.S. history until 2015.