McCormick announced his candidacy for territorial delegate on March 12, 1868, with the election scheduled for June 3, 1868. During his run, McCormick avoided normal party affiliations and instead ran as a non-partisan candidate under the Unionist banner. The election centered on the issue of the territorial capital having been moved the previous year, with allegations circulated that McCormick had been promised support from Pima County if he signed the bill. McCormick only won a single county during the election, Pima, but the margin was sufficient for him to be elected territorial delegate.