The Northern Democratic Party, often referred to as the Northern Democrats, was a faction of the Democratic Party in the United States during the mid-19th century. This group primarily emerged in response to issues surrounding slavery and states' rights, advocating for a more moderate stance compared to their Southern counterparts. They played a significant role in the political landscape leading up to the Civil War. During the 1860 presidential election, the Northern Democrats nominated Stephen A. Douglas as their candidate. Douglas's platform focused on popular sovereignty, allowing territories to decide on the legality of slavery. The party's influence waned after the war, as the nation shifted towards Reconstruction and the emergence of new political ideologies.