Presidential election
1944 presidential election
Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated Thomas E. Dewey, winning 432 of 531 electoral votes and 53.4% of the popular vote.
Results
55.9%
Turnout rate
48.0M
Total votes cast
86.0M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York(NY) | 47 | DemocraticRoosevelt | +5.4% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 35 | DemocraticRoosevelt | +1% |
| Ohio(OH) | 25 | RepublicanDewey | +0.5% |
| California(CA) | 25 | DemocraticRoosevelt | +14% |
| Michigan(MI) | 19 | DemocraticRoosevelt | +4.1% |
Candidates
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
Harry S. Truman
Home state
New York
Age at election
62
Previous position
32nd President of the United States (Incumbent)
Popular vote
25.6M
(53.4%)
Electoral votes
432
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
John W. Bricker
Home state
New York
Age at election
42
Previous position
Governor of New York
Popular vote
22.0M
(45.9%)
Electoral votes
99
Military Families
Roosevelt
58%
Labor Unions
Roosevelt
68%
Suburban Areas
Dewey
52%
Key events
D-Day
Allied invasion of Normandy, war turning in favor
Truman Selected as VP
Party bosses replaced Wallace with Truman
Issues & context
Only wartime fourth-term campaign. FDR's health declining but hidden from public. Truman chosen as VP replacement. War clearly being won. 'Don't change horses' again effective.
Full war mobilization. Rationing but prosperity. Unemployment essentially zero. War bonds popular. Planning for postwar transition.
FDR's war leadership paramount. Dewey young and capable but couldn't attack war effort. FDR's declining health unknown to most voters.
FDR died April 1945, four months into term. Truman became president. WWII ended under Truman. FDR never saw victory.
Did you know?
- 1.Only fourth-term president ever
- 2.FDR died less than 3 months after inauguration
- 3.Truman was unknown nationally - became president
- 4.Both candidates from New York again
- 5.Soldiers voted by mail for first time