2000 United States presidential election — 54th quadrennial U.S. presidential election
The 2000 U.S. presidential election was decided by 537 votes in Florida after a Supreme Court ruling, marking the first popular-vote/electoral-vote split since 1888.
Key Facts
- Electoral votes (Bush)
- 271 electoral votes
- Popular vote margin (Gore)
- 543,895 votes
- Florida margin (Bush)
- 537 votes
- Florida total votes cast
- 5,960,000 votes
- Florida margin percentage
- 0.009 %
- States flipped from 1996
- 11 states previously voting Democratic
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Incumbent president Bill Clinton was barred from a third term by the 22nd Amendment. Gore, burdened by Clinton's impeachment scandal, distanced himself from the popular president. Bush emerged from a contested Republican primary against John McCain to claim the nomination, and both candidates centered their campaigns on domestic policy debates over taxes, budgets, and social programs.
On November 7, 2000, American voters went to the polls in what became one of the closest elections in U.S. history. No clear winner emerged on election night, as Florida's electoral votes remained disputed. Recounts and extensive litigation followed, culminating in the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore, which halted recounts and effectively awarded Florida's votes to Bush.
George W. Bush won the presidency with 271 electoral votes despite losing the national popular vote to Al Gore by roughly 544,000 votes. The outcome generated lasting controversy over electoral processes, the role of the Supreme Court in elections, and the validity of the Electoral College system. It was the first time since 1888 that a candidate won the presidency while losing the popular vote.
Political Outcome
George W. Bush (Republican) won 271 electoral votes, defeating Al Gore (Democrat) who won the popular vote; the election was decided by the Supreme Court ruling in Bush v. Gore awarding Florida's electoral votes to Bush.
Democratic presidency under Bill Clinton
Republican presidency under George W. Bush