1964 United States presidential election — 45th quadrennial U.S. presidential election
Johnson's 61.1% popular vote share remains the highest of any candidate since widespread popular elections began in 1824.
Key Facts
- Johnson popular vote share
- 61.1%
- States carried by Johnson
- 44 states plus D.C.
- White vote for Johnson
- 59% of white voters
- Goldwater states won
- 5 Deep South states plus Arizona
- First D.C. presidential vote
- District of Columbia voted for first time
- First Vermont Democratic win
- First presidential election Democrats carried Vermont
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson assumed the presidency and continued Kennedy's agenda with stronger emphasis on civil rights. Republicans nominated conservative Senator Barry Goldwater, who opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, while the party's moderate wing refused to unite behind him, leaving the GOP divided heading into the general election.
On November 3, 1964, incumbent President Lyndon B. Johnson and running mate Hubert Humphrey defeated Barry Goldwater and William E. Miller in a landslide. Johnson carried 44 states and the District of Columbia, winning 61.1% of the popular vote—the highest share of any candidate since 1824. Goldwater won only his home state of Arizona and five Deep South states, largely due to his opposition to the Civil Rights Act.
Johnson's overwhelming mandate enabled passage of his Great Society programs and reinforced Democratic dominance in most of the country. However, Goldwater's sweep of the Deep South signaled a lasting regional realignment, as those states had not voted Republican since Reconstruction. As of 2024, this remains the last time a Democratic presidential candidate won more than 400 electoral votes or carried 40 or more states.
Political Outcome
Democratic ticket of Lyndon B. Johnson and Hubert Humphrey won in a landslide with 61.1% of the popular vote and 44 states plus D.C.; Republican ticket of Barry Goldwater and William E. Miller carried only Arizona and five Deep South states.
Lyndon B. Johnson as unelected successor president following Kennedy assassination
Lyndon B. Johnson elected president in his own right with a sweeping popular and electoral mandate