1968 Presidential Election Results: A Detailed Breakdown
The 1968 presidential election was a pivotal moment in American political history, characterized by a three-way contest that split the electorate. The race featured Hubert Humphrey of the Democratic Party, Richard Nixon of the Republican Party, and George Wallace representing the American Party. The results reflected a nation deeply divided, with significant shifts in voter loyalty across various regions.
In the overall tally, Hubert Humphrey secured the plurality of the vote, while Richard Nixon followed closely. George Wallace, running as a third-party candidate, captured a notable portion of the electorate, influencing the margins in several key areas.
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Key Facts
- Hubert Humphrey won the most votes with 374,091 (49.60%).
- Richard Nixon received 307,555 votes (40.78%).
- George Wallace secured 72,560 votes (9.62%).
- A total of 754,206 votes were cast.
- 21 counties flipped from Democratic to Republican support.
Overall Election Performance
The general results show a competitive race where the Democratic candidate maintained a lead of approximately 8.82% over the Republican challenger. The American Party's presence ensured that neither major candidate achieved a dominant landslide in this specific dataset.
| Candidate | Party | Total Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hubert Humphrey | Democratic | 374,091 | 49.60% |
| Richard Nixon | Republican | 307,555 | 40.78% |
| George Wallace | American | 72,560 | 9.62% |
| Total | - | 754,206 | 100.00% |
County-Level Analysis and Voter Shifts
When examining the results by county, the distribution of votes reveals stark contrasts in regional preference. Some areas showed overwhelming support for the Democratic ticket, while others leaned heavily toward the Republican or American parties.
Democratic Strongholds
Hubert Humphrey saw his strongest performances in counties such as McDowell (67.81%), Logan (67.42%), and Fayette (66.96%). These areas provided the necessary margins to maintain his overall lead.
Republican Gains
Richard Nixon performed exceptionally well in Grant county, where he captured 73.81% of the vote, and Ritchie county, where he secured 66.50%.
The Impact of the American Party
George Wallace's influence was most visible in Berkeley (16.04%) and Hampshire (15.62%) counties, acting as a significant third-party disruptor in the traditional two-party system.
Political Realignment: Flipped Counties
One of the most striking aspects of this election was the number of counties that flipped—meaning they shifted their support from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. This trend suggests a broader realignment of political priorities during this cycle.
The following 21 counties transitioned from Democratic to Republican support:
- Berkeley, Cabell, Doddridge, Hampshire, Hardy, Jackson, Lewis, Mineral, Mason, Monroe, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Roane, Taylor, Upshur, Wetzel, Wood, and Wirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who received the highest percentage of votes in the overall results?
Hubert Humphrey received the highest percentage of votes at 49.60%.
How many total votes were cast in this election?
A total of 754,206 votes were cast.
Which candidate represented the American Party?
George Wallace represented the American Party, receiving 9.62% of the total vote.
Which county had the highest percentage of support for Richard Nixon?
Grant county had the highest support for Richard Nixon, with 73.81% of the vote.
How many counties flipped from Democratic to Republican?
Twenty-one counties flipped from Democratic to Republican support.