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Seward was initially seen as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination from "summary" of Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Seward's prominence seemed assured at the outset of the Republican National Convention in Chicago in May 1860. As a seasoned politician with vast experience, including serving as a senator and governor, he was well-known and respected within the party. Moreover, his anti-slavery stance and reputation as a skilled orator further solidified his position as the favorite to secure the nomination. Many believed that his long record of public service and unwavering commitment to Republican principles made him the most qualified candidate to represent the party in the upcoming presidential election. Despite his initial momentum, Seward faced formidable competition from other candidates, most notably Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's humble beginnings and rise from obscurity appealed to many delegates who saw him as a fresh face untainted by the political establishment. Additionally, Lincoln's moderate views on slavery resonated with a broader swath of Republicans who sought a candidate capable of uniting the party and appealing to a wider audience in the general election. As the convention progressed, it became increasingly clear that Seward's path to the nomination was not as straightforwar...
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