In 1968, Richard Nixon (Republican) won 301 of 538 electoral votes, defeating Hubert Humphrey by 110 EV during the Cold War Realignment era. In 2024, Donald Trump (Republican) won 312 of 538, defeating Kamala Harris by 86 EV during the Modern Polarization era. Turnout: 62.5% vs 64.1%.
vs
1968
Cold War Realignment
Richard Nixon
Republican
Electoral votes
301 of 538
EV margin
110
Popular vote
43.4%
Turnout
62.5%
Runner-up
Hubert Humphrey (Dem)
Richard Nixon won a narrow victory in a tumultuous year marked by the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, riots at the Democratic convention in Chicago, and the Vietnam War. Nixon appealed to the 'Silent Majority' and promised a secret plan to end the war. Alabama Governor George Wallace ran on the American Independent Party ticket, winning five Deep South states and 46 electoral votes, nearly throwing the election to the House. Humphrey surged late after partially distancing himself from Johnson's Vietnam policy.
2024
Modern Polarization
Donald Trump
Republican
Electoral votes
312 of 538
EV margin
86
Popular vote
49.8%
Turnout
64.1%
Runner-up
Kamala Harris (Dem)
Donald Trump won a decisive comeback victory, becoming the first president since Grover Cleveland to win non-consecutive terms. Biden had dropped out of the race in July 2024 and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the first woman of color nominated by a major party for president. Trump swept all seven key battleground states and also won the popular vote — the first Republican to do so since 2004. Harris conceded on election night, congratulating Trump on his victory.