Presidential election
1940 presidential election
Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated Wendell Willkie, winning 449 of 531 electoral votes and 54.7% of the popular vote.
Results
62.5%
Turnout rate
49.9M
Total votes cast
84.0M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York(NY) | 47 | DemocraticRoosevelt | +6.6% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 36 | DemocraticRoosevelt | +6% |
| Ohio(OH) | 26 | DemocraticRoosevelt | +4.9% |
| Indiana(IN) | 14 | RepublicanWillkie | +2.8% |
| Michigan(MI) | 19 | RepublicanWillkie | +0.6% |
Candidates
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
Henry A. Wallace
Home state
New York
Age at election
58
Previous position
32nd President of the United States (Incumbent)
Campaign slogan
"Don't Change Horses in Midstream"
Popular vote
27.3M
(54.7%)
Electoral votes
449
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
Charles L. McNary
Home state
New York
Age at election
48
Previous position
Business executive
Popular vote
22.3M
(44.8%)
Electoral votes
82
Labor Unions
Roosevelt
72%
Isolationists
Willkie
55%
Urban Areas
Roosevelt
60%
Key events
Fall of France
Nazi Germany conquered France, changing election dynamics
Selective Service Act
First peacetime draft in U.S. history
Issues & context
FDR broke two-term tradition. WWII raging in Europe. Both candidates supported aiding Britain. 'Don't change horses' resonated. Willkie was former Democrat turned Republican.
Recovery continuing. Defense buildup creating jobs. New Deal programs still active. War economy beginning.
FDR's experience valued in crisis. Two-term tradition concern but war trumped it. Willkie dynamic but inexperienced in politics.
First and only third term. Led to 22nd Amendment (two-term limit). FDR led U.S. through WWII. Set stage for postwar American leadership.
Did you know?
- 1.First president elected to third term
- 2.Willkie was dark horse who never held office
- 3.Both candidates from New York
- 4.Led to 22nd Amendment limiting terms
- 5.FDR's margin smaller than 1936 but still decisive