King of Hungary (as John I) from 1526 to 1540. His rule was disputed by Archduke Ferdinand I, who also claimed the title King of Hungary. He was Voivode of Transylvania before his coronation. John began his public career in 1505 as a member of the Diet of Rákos. Due to John Zápolya's motion, the new Diet at Rákos passed a bill which prohibited the election of a foreigner as king if Vladislaus's died without a male issue, on 13 October 1505. The bill was aimed at creating a legal basis for John's ascension to the throne after the death of Vladislaus, but the king refused to ratify it.
