There’s something undeniably satisfying about a landslide win in a presidential election (or any kind of election). When a candidate sweeps the vote, it’s a clear mandate from the people, signaling their approval, trust, or simply a need for change. By taking a closer look at the election records from the American Presidency Project, we can get a fascinating look at which U.S. presidents claimed their place in history with the widest margins. Some of these wins were grounded in popularity, others in a longing for stability or even a dash of charisma.
Each landslide victory has a story behind it. Some presidents rode into office on waves of national unity or crisis, while others enjoyed the full-throated support of the American public. Looking back on these victories offers more than just statistics; it provides insight into the country’s mood and priorities at the time.
So, let’s journey through history to count down the top 15 presidents who secured their victories with the biggest margins, starting with the most decisive wins.
1. George Washington (1789 & 1792)
No one’s ever been more popular in a presidential election than George Washington. In both 1789 and 1792, he was unanimously elected, receiving 100% of the electoral votes. With no contenders, Washington’s election represented a rare and complete unity in a young nation still finding its footing.
His unanimous wins weren’t just about politics but about trust. Americans saw him as a true leader who could steer the fledgling country forward.
2. James Monroe (1820)
James Monroe’s re-election in 1820 came during the “Era of Good Feelings,” a time of political harmony and minimal opposition. Monroe’s near-perfect win saw him receive all but one electoral vote, making it one of the most lopsided elections in history.
Monroe’s overwhelming support reflected the country’s desire for peace and unity, as partisan divisions temporarily ceased to exist.
3. Thomas Jefferson (1804)
Thomas Jefferson’s landslide in 1804, where he took 73.2% of the vote, was a testament to his successful first term. His Louisiana Purchase and push for smaller federal government earned him substantial popularity.
Jefferson’s victory solidified his vision for America’s westward expansion and left a lasting impact on the nation’s growth.
4. Lyndon B. Johnson (1964)
In 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson captured 61.1% of the popular vote. Following President Kennedy’s tragic assassination, Johnson’s vision of the “Great Society,” which focused on civil rights, poverty, and healthcare, gained widespread support.
With this mandate, Johnson pursued some of the most ambitious social reforms in American history, cementing his domestic legacy.
5. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1936)
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1936 victory was a massive show of support. With 60.8% of the popular vote, he pushed forward with his New Deal policies, which aimed to pull the country out of the Great Depression. Though bold, his policies resonated with the American people in a time of need.
This landslide was more than just an electoral win; it was an affirmation of Roosevelt’s approach to economic recovery, solidifying his place in history.
6. Richard Nixon (1972)
Richard Nixon’s 1972 re-election was a landslide, with 60.7% of the popular vote. His campaign’s message of law, order, and stability resonated with Americans amid international tensions and social unrest.
However, Nixon’s second term would end in disgrace with the Watergate scandal. His commanding win and subsequent downfall serve as a reminder of how quickly political fortunes can turn.
7. Warren G. Harding (1920)
Warren G. Harding’s landslide in 1920 saw him claim 60.3% of the popular vote. His call for a “return to normalcy” after World War I and the Progressive Era struck a chord with Americans tired of upheaval.
Harding’s win brought in an era of conservative policies and relative calm, at least until the 1929 stock market crash that ended the Roaring Twenties.
8. Ronald Reagan (1984)
Ronald Reagan’s 1984 re-election was an iconic victory, with 58.8% of the popular vote and an overwhelming 49-state sweep. His “Morning in America” campaign, which focused on economic recovery and national pride, resonated deeply with voters.
This historic win gave Reagan the confidence to push forward with his conservative policies, further defining the decade.
9. Herbert Hoover (1928)
In 1928, Herbert Hoover won with 58.2% of the popular vote, coming off a decade of economic prosperity and his image as a successful businessman. Hoover’s popularity was unmatched, at least until the Great Depression hit.
His landslide win was a testament to the optimism of the time, though that quickly shifted as the economy spiraled downward.
10. Dwight D. Eisenhower (1956)
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s re-election in 1956 came with a 57.4% popular vote share. His reputation as a war hero and his calm handling of Cold War tensions made him immensely popular, reinforcing his steady leadership.
Eisenhower’s landslide allowed him to focus on infrastructure, like the interstate highway system, which transformed American life.
11. Theodore Roosevelt (1904)
In 1904, Theodore Roosevelt captured 56.4% of the popular vote. Known for his progressive policies, Roosevelt’s passion for conservation and trust-busting struck a chord with voters.
Roosevelt’s win allowed him to pursue even more reforms, reshaping the federal government’s role in American life.
12. Ulysses S. Grant (1872)
Ulysses S. Grant’s re-election in 1872 with 55.6% of the vote reflected his status as a Civil War hero. His second term, though marred by scandals, allowed him to continue with Reconstruction efforts in the South.
Grant’s win illustrated the public’s respect for his wartime leadership, even as peacetime challenges mounted.
13. Abraham Lincoln (1864)
Abraham Lincoln’s 1864 re-election, achieved with 55.1% of the vote, showed the nation’s support for his leadership amid the Civil War. His push for unity and emancipation resonated with a war-weary public.
Lincoln’s win empowered him to steer the nation through the war’s final years and laid the groundwork for a reunited America.
14. Calvin Coolidge (1924)
Calvin Coolidge, famously known as “Silent Cal,” claimed 54% of the vote in 1924. His quiet, hands-off approach and focus on economic growth were a natural fit for the 1920s, a decade of prosperity.
Coolidge’s win signaled Americans’ desire for stability, and his policies reinforced the business-friendly spirit of the age.
15. Andrew Jackson (1832)
In 1832, Andrew Jackson won with 54.2% of the vote, marking him as a true “man of the people.” His fight against the National Bank and his populist stance struck a chord with everyday Americans.
Jackson’s re-election led to a redefined presidency, emphasizing a direct connection with the American people.
12 Favorite Presidents in U.S. History
Based on the numbers from the Ipsos poll, here are America’s 12 favorite presidents. Each of these leaders has earned their place, and whether they were known for rallying the nation in tough times or pushing bold reforms, they’ve all left a lasting legacy.
12 Favorite Presidents in U.S. History
14 Interesting Facts About the First Presidential Election
Before we get into the quirks and facts about this first election, it’s worth remembering that this was a time when democracy was still very much a gamble. The stakes were high, and no one knew if it was going to work. So, with that context in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most interesting, and sometimes bizarre, facts about the first time America chose its leader.
14 Interesting Facts About the First Presidential Election
13 Contradictory Beliefs of the U.S. Founding Fathers
These contradictions might surprise you, but they also shed light on the challenges of founding a nation. They were building a new world, often experimenting with political concepts that had never been tested on such a scale. These contradictions don’t diminish their achievements but reveal just how human they were.
13 Contradictory Beliefs of the U.S. Founding Fathers
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
