Presidential election
1904 presidential election
Theodore Roosevelt defeated Alton B. Parker, winning 336 of 476 electoral votes and 56.4% of the popular vote.
Results
65.2%
Turnout rate
13.5M
Total votes cast
16.8M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York(NY) | 39 | RepublicanRoosevelt | +8% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 34 | RepublicanRoosevelt | +23.8% |
| Ohio(OH) | 23 | RepublicanRoosevelt | +12% |
| Illinois(IL) | 27 | RepublicanRoosevelt | +16.5% |
| Texas(TX) | 18 | DemocraticParker | +47% |
Candidates
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
Charles W. Fairbanks
Home state
New York
Age at election
46
Previous position
26th President of the United States (Incumbent)
Campaign slogan
"A Square Deal"
Popular vote
7.6M
(56.4%)
Electoral votes
336
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
Henry G. Davis
Home state
New York
Age at election
52
Previous position
Chief Judge, New York Court of Appeals
Popular vote
5.1M
(37.6%)
Electoral votes
140
Urban Workers
Roosevelt
58%
Rural Areas
Roosevelt
54%
Solid South
Parker
78%
Key events
Coal Strike Settlement
TR mediated anthracite strike, showing Square Deal
Panama Canal Treaty
Acquired canal zone after Panama revolution
Issues & context
TR's only election victory. Democrats nominated conservative Parker to offer contrast. TR wildly popular. Progressive Era in full swing. Largest electoral margin since 1872.
Continued prosperity. Trust-busting begun but economy strong. Labor gaining recognition. Industrial growth continuing.
TR enormously popular. 'Square Deal' resonated with workers and middle class. Parker colorless by comparison. Democrats in disarray after Bryan losses.
TR won 'in his own right.' Pledged not to seek another term (regretted it). Progressive reforms accelerated. Set stage for 1912 split.
Did you know?
- 1.Largest popular vote margin since Grant's 1872 landslide
- 2.TR was youngest president at 42 when he took office
- 3.Parker was first losing Democratic nominee since 1872 not named Bryan
- 4.TR's 'teddy bear' already famous
- 5.TR pledged not to run again - later regretted it