1960 United States presidential election — 44th quadrennial U.S. presidential election
Kennedy's narrow 1960 victory over Nixon made him the youngest elected U.S. president and the first Catholic, in one of the closest elections in American history.
Key Facts
- Electoral College result
- Kennedy 303, Nixon 219
- Popular vote margin
- 112,827 votes (0.17%)
- Kennedy's age at election
- 43 years and 5 months
- States participating
- 50 (first election with all 50 states)
- Registered Democrat advantage
- 17 million more Democrats than Republicans
- Unpledged electors for Byrd
- 14 (from Mississippi and Alabama)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Republican Party's standing was weakened by the 1957–1958 economic recession, and Democrats held a significant registration advantage of 17 million voters. Kennedy secured the Democratic nomination after primary victories over Hubert Humphrey in Wisconsin and West Virginia, then selected Senate Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson as his running mate to shore up support in the South.
On November 8, 1960, American voters chose between Democratic Senator John F. Kennedy and incumbent Vice President Richard Nixon. Kennedy campaigned vigorously in populous swing states and used television debates to his advantage, while Nixon spread his resources across all fifty states. Kennedy's Catholic faith shifted some Protestant votes to Nixon but gained nearly as many Catholic voters, keeping the race extremely tight.
Kennedy won the Electoral College 303 to 219 and carried the popular vote by just 0.17 percent, the second-narrowest margin in presidential history. He became the first Catholic and the youngest person ever elected president of the United States, and his running mate Johnson's support helped hold key Southern states. The 22nd Amendment, limiting presidents to two terms, also took effect for the first time, barring incumbent Eisenhower from seeking a third term.
Political Outcome
Democratic ticket of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson defeated Republican ticket of Richard Nixon and Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., with Kennedy winning 303–219 in the Electoral College and by 0.17% in the popular vote.
Republican administration under President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Democratic administration under President John F. Kennedy