Lincoln’s popular vote was the third largest percentage in a presidential election in the 19th century, surpassed only by Democrat Andrew Jackson’s first victory in 1828 and Republican Ulysses S. Grant’s reelection in 1872 (both received 56%). It has been estimated that Lincoln received 78% of the vote of Union soldiers and sailors. The amount was not necessary for his reelection, but may have provided the margin of victory in a few close states and, more importantly, was of great symbolic value. Republicans also gained seats in Congress to retain unassailable control, 149 to 42 in the House and 42 to 10 in the Senate; took back several state legislatures; and lost only the governorship of New Jersey (McClellan’s home state).