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Presidential election

1876 presidential election

Rutherford B. Hayes defeated Samuel Tilden, winning 185 of 369 electoral votes and 47.9% of the popular vote.

November 7, 1876

Rutherford B. Hayes

Republican

Rutherford B. Hayes won the 1876 presidential election with 185 of 369 electoral votes, and 47.9% of the popular vote. Running mate: William A. Wheeler.

185
of 369 electoral votes
47.9%
popular vote
81.8%
turnout

Results

Vote breakdown
Samuel J. TildenDemocratic
50.9%(4.3M votes)
184 EV
Rutherford B. HayesRepublican
47.9%(4.0M votes)
185 EV
Voter turnout

81.8%

Turnout rate

8.3M

Total votes cast

8.3M

Eligible voters

State results
StateElectoral votesWinnerMargin
New York(NY)35
DemocraticTilden
+2.8%
Pennsylvania(PA)29
RepublicanHayes
+3%
Ohio(OH)22
RepublicanHayes
+2.4%
Florida(FL)4
RepublicanHayes
+0.1%
South Carolina(SC)7
RepublicanHayes
+0.3%
Swing states
Florida
Held
Electoral votes:4
Margin:0.1%
Previous:Grant
South Carolina
Held
Electoral votes:7
Margin:0.3%
Previous:Grant
Louisiana
Held
Electoral votes:8
Margin:0.1%
Previous:Grant

Candidates

Rutherford B. Hayes
Winner

Party

Republican

Running mate

William A. Wheeler

Home state

Ohio

Age at election

54

Previous position

Governor of Ohio

Popular vote

4.0M

(47.9%)

Electoral votes

185

Samuel J. Tilden

Party

Democratic

Running mate

Thomas A. Hendricks

Home state

New York

Age at election

62

Previous position

Governor of New York

Popular vote

4.3M

(50.9%)

Electoral votes

184

Voting demographics

Northern States

Hayes

50%

Southern States

Tilden

58%

Key events

Campaign timeline
major
March 1877

Compromise of 1877

Hayes awarded presidency in exchange for ending Reconstruction

major
January 1877

Electoral Commission

15-member commission decided disputed votes 8-7

Issues & context

Key campaign issues
Reconstruction End
Election Fraud Allegations
Economic Depression (Panic of 1873)
Civil Service Reform
Hard Money vs Greenbacks
Historical context

Most disputed election in American history until 2000. Tilden won popular vote but 20 electoral votes disputed. Electoral Commission awarded all to Hayes by 8-7 party-line vote. 'Compromise of 1877' ended Reconstruction.

Economic conditions

Deep depression from Panic of 1873. Unemployment high. Railroad strikes. Greenback vs hard money debate. Economic hardship hurt Republicans.

Incumbent factors

Grant (two-term Republican) not running. Both candidates were reform governors. Corruption and depression hurt Republicans. Democrats had strong case for change.

Legacy and impact

Ended Reconstruction. African American voting rights abandoned. 'Solid South' began for Democrats. Hayes served one term. Election integrity became lasting concern.

Did you know?

  • 1.Only election where loser of popular vote won by 1 electoral vote
  • 2.Tilden won popular vote by 3%
  • 3.Inauguration delayed until March 5 due to dispute
  • 4.Hayes called 'His Fraudulency' by opponents
  • 5.Ended 'Second American Revolution' of Reconstruction
Explore more

1880 Election

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1872 Election

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Compare This Election

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Electoral College Map

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Swing State Analysis

Which states were battlegrounds?

This site explains the structure and history of U.S. federal elections and is not an official government resource. All data shown is for educational purposes only.