In 1852, the Free-Soil party held their national convention in Pittsburgh to select a presidential candidate. The party selected Spalding as one of the thirteen delegates chosen to attend the convention. The Free-Soilers went to their convention with two potential presidential candidates in Salmon Chase, and John P. Hale. Spalding and Chase were longtime associates, and both Ohioans. Two years before, Spalding and Chase had toured Toledo and Cleveland speaking out against the Fugitive Slave Act. Despite his prior relationship Chase, Spalding chose to support Hale, at the convention. During the campaign, Spalding toured much of Northeast Ohio giving speeches in support of Hale. His efforts were unsuccessful however, and Hale failed to carry a single state in the election.