Final answer:
The Anti-Masonic Party was America's first third party, formed out of anti-Masonic sentiment after the disappearance of a Freemason whistleblower. Although unsuccessful at the presidential level, the party won governorships and seats in the U.S. House of Representatives at the state level.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Anti-Masonic Party, first established in 1828, morphed into America's first third party, fueled by anti-Masonic sentiment after the disappearance of Freemason whistleblower William Morgan in 1826. For the election of 1832, the Anti-Masonic Party selected William Wirt as the presidential candidate in what was known as the first presidential nominating convention in United States history. Despite his efforts, Wirt managed to acquire only 8% of the popular vote and 7 electoral votes from Vermont, losing to the winner Andrew Jackson. Notably, the Anti-Masonic Party gained some victory on a local level with Vermont and Pennsylvania electing Anti-Masonic governors. Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and additional states even sent Anti-Masonic Representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives.
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