But when the Whig Party disintegrated following Henry Clay 's death , and due to the controversy surrounding the Kansas - Nebraska Act , James B. Clay joined the Democratic Party .
Clay had been a lifelong member of the Whig Party -- the party of his father .
When the Whig Party disintegrated following Henry Clay 's death , and due to the controversy surrounding the Kansas - Nebraska Act , member     joined the Democratic Party .
Clay had been a lifelong member of the Whig Party -- the party of his father .