- Five U.S. presidential elections were remarkably close.
- John F. Kennedy won the 1960 election by a narrow margin.
- James A. Garfield’s victory in 1880 was only by 7,368 votes.
- The 2000 election was determined by a Supreme Court verdict.
- John Quincy Adams gained the presidency by a single House vote.
Overview of Close U.S. Presidential Elections
Tight Races in U.S. Presidential Elections The history of U.S. presidential elections showcases some pretty tight races that have shaped the future of the nation. Individuals often pour out their frustrations about voting, claiming their single vote does not make a difference. The past tells a different story, especially when we delve into five historic elections that were decided by extremely slim margins.
The 1960 Election—Kennedy vs. Nixon
Kennedy/Nixon: A Battleground in 1960 One of the closest elections happened in 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Kennedy, after overcoming Hubert Humphrey in the primaries and securing the Democratic nomination against other significant figures, faced Nixon, who had served as vice president. In a fierce battle, the final popular vote showed Kennedy edging out Nixon by fewer than 120,000 votes, while the electoral college gave Kennedy 303 votes against Nixon’s 219—a true testament to the power of voting.
1880 Presidential Election—Garfield Wins by Whisker
Garfield/Hancock: A Close Call in 1880 Another nail-biting election occurred in 1880, when James A. Garfield triumphed over Winfield Scott Hancock, despite not being a favored candidate at the onset. Initially, Garfield wasn’t even in the race but garnered enough votes through subsequent ballots to emerge as the nominee. Nonetheless, the general election proved to be a tight contest that concluded with just 7,368 votes separating Garfield and Hancock, and the electoral college figures showed Garfield winning 214 votes to Hancock’s 155.
The Contentious 2000 Election—Bush vs. Gore
Bush/Gore: A Supreme Court Standoff in 2000 Fast forward to 2000, which brought forth one of the most contested elections in American history. George W. Bush and Al Gore faced off in a race that hung in a balance, leading to a dramatic recount saga. Ultimately, the Supreme Court intervened, ruling against Gore’s plea for a recount in Florida, which meant that Bush won the electoral college with 271 votes, though he lost the popular vote by around 500,000 votes—a scenario that sparked heated debates about the electoral system.
1876 Election—Hayes vs. Tilden
Hayes/Tilden: The Scandalous 1876 Showdown Also of note is the riveting election of 1876, characterized by scandals stemming from the Ulysses S. Grant presidency. Rutherford B. Hayes ran against Samuel J. Tilden, facing significant anti-Republican sentiment. Voting irregularities turned what should have been a straightforward campaign into the longest and most controversial election until that point, culminating with Hayes winning the electoral college by just a single vote, despite losing the popular vote by 250,000—a spectacle that shifted the political landscape considerably.
1824 Election—Adams Wins in House of Representatives
Adams/Jackson: House of Representatives Decision in 1824 The 1824 election pitted John Quincy Adams against Andrew Jackson, with four candidates vying for success. Rather than traditional party lines, the race reflected regional preferences, leaving Jackson to win the popular vote. However, lack of an electoral victory meant that the choice fell to the House of Representatives, where Adams clinched the presidency by a single vote, leaving Jackson outraged and his supporters feeling cheated.
The history of U.S. presidential elections has revealed numerous tightly contested races that underscore the vital impact of individual votes. From the close-call victories of Kennedy over Nixon in 1960 to the controversial 2000 showdown between Bush and Gore, these instances remind us that every ballot matters in the national narrative. Moreover, engaging with the past can motivate citizens to cast their votes in future elections, reaffirming the importance of participation in democracy, regardless of the outcome.
