Presidential election
1956 presidential election
Dwight D. Eisenhower defeated Adlai Stevenson, winning 457 of 531 electoral votes and 57.4% of the popular vote.
Results
60.6%
Turnout rate
62.0M
Total votes cast
104.0M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York(NY) | 45 | RepublicanEisenhower | +23.5% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 32 | RepublicanEisenhower | +13% |
| California(CA) | 32 | RepublicanEisenhower | +11% |
| Texas(TX) | 24 | RepublicanEisenhower | +10% |
| Georgia(GA) | 12 | DemocraticStevenson | +33% |
Candidates
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
Richard Nixon
Home state
Pennsylvania
Age at election
66
Previous position
34th President of the United States (Incumbent)
Campaign slogan
"I Still Like Ike"
Popular vote
35.6M
(57.4%)
Electoral votes
457
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
Estes Kefauver
Home state
Illinois
Age at election
56
Previous position
Governor of Illinois
Popular vote
26.0M
(42%)
Electoral votes
73
Suburban Families
Eisenhower
62%
War Veterans
Eisenhower
62%
Deep South
Stevenson
55%
Key events
Suez Crisis
International crisis as Britain/France/Israel attacked Egypt
Hungarian Revolution
Soviet suppression of uprising highlighted Cold War
Issues & context
Rematch of 1952. Ike even more popular after heart attack recovery. Foreign crises (Suez, Hungary) helped 'don't change horses' appeal. Stevenson lost by wider margin. Last rematch until 2024.
'Ike prosperity' - economic boom. Consumer culture flourishing. Suburbs expanding. Baby boom continuing. 'Happy Days' era.
Ike beloved despite heart attack concerns. Peace and prosperity hard to argue against. Stevenson's intellectual style even less effective second time.
Confirmed Republican hold. Ike's second term included Little Rock crisis, Sputnik shock. Set stage for 1960's generational shift.
Did you know?
- 1.Last rematch until 2024 (Trump-Harris)
- 2.Ike improved on 1952 margin despite heart attack
- 3.Stevenson lost twice by similar margins
- 4.Suez and Hungary crises helped 'experienced leader' message
- 5.Beginning of end for Solid South