The 5 Closest Presidential Elections in US History

The United States has a long and storied history of presidential elections, with many close races that have shaped the course of the nation. From the nail-biting finish of 2000 to the dramatic upset of 1876, these elections have captivated the public imagination and sparked intense debate.

Here are the five closest presidential elections in US history, ranked by the margin of victory:

1. 2000: George W. Bush vs. Al Gore

The 2000 election is perhaps the most infamous example of a close presidential race. The outcome was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of George W. Bush after a recount in Florida. Bush won the election by a margin of just 537 votes in Florida, which was enough to secure the Electoral College victory.

The election was marred by controversy, with allegations of voter suppression and irregularities in Florida. The recount process was lengthy and contentious, and the Supreme Court's decision was highly controversial. The 2000 election had a profound impact on American politics, raising questions about the electoral system and the role of the courts in determining the outcome of elections.

2. 1876: Rutherford B. Hayes vs. Samuel J. Tilden

The 1876 election was another highly contested race, with the outcome ultimately decided by a special Electoral Commission. Samuel J. Tilden, the Democratic candidate, won the popular vote by a significant margin. However, the election was thrown into chaos when disputed returns from several Southern states, including South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana, were challenged. The controversy stemmed from the ongoing Reconstruction era following the Civil War, with lingering tensions over the rights of African Americans and the role of the federal government in the South.

The Electoral Commission, composed of five senators, five representatives, and five Supreme Court justices, ultimately awarded the disputed electoral votes to Rutherford B. Hayes, the Republican candidate. The outcome of this election effectively ended Reconstruction and allowed for the rise of Jim Crow laws in the South. The 1876 election remains a controversial and significant event in American history, highlighting the deeply contested nature of American democracy.

3. 1960: John F. Kennedy vs. Richard Nixon

The 1960 election was a close race between John F. Kennedy, the Democratic candidate, and Richard Nixon, the Republican candidate. Kennedy won the election by a narrow margin, carrying a majority of the popular vote and securing the Electoral College victory.

The election was particularly notable for its use of television debates, which allowed voters to see and hear the candidates for the first time. The debates were widely viewed and are credited with playing a significant role in Kennedy's victory. The 1960 election also marked the beginning of the modern era of presidential campaigns, with a greater emphasis on media and public relations.

4. 2016: Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton

The 2016 election was a highly polarized contest between Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, and Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate. Trump won the election by a narrow margin in the Electoral College, although Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.

The election was characterized by intense partisanship and a deep divide in American society. Trump's campaign focused on populist themes, such as immigration and trade, and his rhetoric was often divisive and inflammatory. Clinton's campaign was more traditional, emphasizing her experience and policy proposals. The 2016 election had a profound impact on American politics, leading to increased polarization and a growing sense of distrust in government.

5. 1888: Benjamin Harrison vs. Grover Cleveland

The 1888 election saw a rematch between Grover Cleveland, the incumbent Democratic president, and Benjamin Harrison, the Republican challenger. Cleveland won the popular vote by a significant margin, but Harrison secured the Electoral College victory, winning the election by a narrow margin.

The election was largely fought over issues of tariffs and economic policy. Harrison's campaign focused on the need for higher tariffs to protect American industries, while Cleveland argued for lower tariffs and free trade. The 1888 election marked a shift in American politics, with the Republican Party gaining control of the presidency and Congress.

These five close presidential elections highlight the unpredictable nature of American democracy. They demonstrate that even in a nation with a long tradition of peaceful transitions of power, elections can be highly contested and the outcome can be uncertain. These elections have shaped the course of American history, leaving a lasting impact on the political landscape and the lives of ordinary Americans.