What was John C. Fremont's political affiliation when he ran for president in 1856?

John C. Fremont was affiliated with the Republican Party when he ran for president in 1856. He was notably the first presidential candidate of the Republican Party, which emerged in the early 1850s primarily as an anti-slavery political force in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the expansion of slavery into the territories. Fremont's campaign focused on stopping the spread of slavery and promoting free soil policies, which resonated with many Northern voters concerned about the moral and political implications of slavery. His candidacy marked a pivotal moment in American politics, as it signaled the rise of a new political movement that would challenge the established Democratic and Whig parties.