George Clinton (vice president)

George Clinton (July 26, 1739 – April 20, 1812) was an American soldier and politician. He was the first and third governor of New York. He then was Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson and James Madison (1805–1812).

George Clinton
Official portrait, 1814
4th Vice President of the United States
In office March 4, 1805 – April 20, 1812
President	Thomas Jefferson and James Madison
Preceded by	Aaron Burr
Succeeded by	Elbridge Gerry
1st & 3rd Governor of New York
In office July 30, 1777 – June 30, 1795
Lieutenant	Pierre Van Cortlandt
Succeeded by	John Jay
In office July 1, 1801 – June 30, 1804
Lieutenant	Jeremiah Van Rensselaer
Preceded by	John Jay
Succeeded by	Morgan Lewis
Personal details
Born	(1739-01-26)26 January 1739 Little Britain, New York
Died	April 20, 1812 (aged 72) Washington, DC
Nationality	American

Clinton was born in New York State and fought for the British in the French and Indian War.

Clinton was a member of the Continental Congress and voted for the Declaration of Independence. He was a friend of George Washington and served with and supplied the Continental Army.

Clinton was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party. Clinton was vice president under two different presidents; the only other to do so was John C. Calhoun. Clinton was also a candidate for president in the 1808 election and received six electoral votes.^[1]

DeWitt Clinton, his nephew, also became governor of New York. George Clinton is of no relation to the 42nd president, Bill Clinton, who took his stepfather's surname as a child.

1. "1808 Electoral College Results". National Archives. 2019-10-29. Retrieved 2025-04-28.