Originally, Democrat Leonard Rothgerber had been one of the candidates running.[2] However, in the aftermath of the assassination of the Republican president, the shaken public had come to coalesce in support of Republican mayoral candidate Rice.[2] Sensing this, Democratic candidate Leonard Rothgerber withdrew from the race and declared that there was a need for the nation to stand united.[2][3] As a gesture of gratitude, Rice reimbursed Rothgerber's campaign expenses.[2]
While he remained on the ballot, Sherman also all-but-withdrew from the race as well in the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination.[4]