 The Democratic Party nominated Sibley nonetheless as its candidate in the 26th Congressional District, as did the People's Party.Sibley proved to be an indefatigable campaigner in his first race for office, delivering as many as six speeches in a single day and developing strong oratorical ability.A local newspaper in a laudatory biography published after his death recalled that

It was at once recognized that he was a reasoner, a wit, a man of affairs, an orator, and best of all, a strong, courageous man with a big heart and helpful impulses...