Lincoln pledged to serve only one term

Abraham Lincoln, during his tenure in the House of Representatives, made a commitment to serve only one term. This pledge was made in the context of his political aspirations and the dynamics of the Whig Party at the time. Recognizing that Henry Clay, a prominent figure in the party, was unlikely to secure the presidency, Lincoln shifted his support to Zachary Taylor for the Whig nomination in the presidential election. Taylor's eventual victory in the election presented Lincoln with opportunities for political advancement. However, despite his hopes of being appointed as the commissioner of the United States General Land Office, he was instead offered the position of secretary of the Oregon Territory. Accepting this role would have required Lincoln to relocate, disrupting his established legal and political career in Illinois. Consequently, he declined the offer and returned to his law practice, which allowed him to maintain his connections and influence within the state.