List of United States Democratic Party presidential candidates

The List of United States Democratic Party presidential candidates comprises individuals who have sought the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States. The Democratic Party has been one of the two major political parties in the United States since the mid-19th century, and its presidential candidates play a crucial role in American political life. This article provides an overview of notable candidates from the party's inception to the present.

19th Century

The Democratic Party's origins trace back to the Democratic-Republican Party, founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in the early 1800s. The party eventually split, with the modern Democratic Party emerging in the 1820s.

• Andrew Jackson (1828, 1832) - Considered the founder of the modern Democratic Party, Jackson was the first Democratic President.
• Martin Van Buren (1836, 1840) - Followed Jackson and was influential in organizing party structures in various states.
• James K. Polk (1844) - Known for his expansionist policies, which included the annexation of Texas.
• Franklin Pierce (1852) - His presidency is marked by the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which exacerbated sectional tensions.
• James Buchanan (1856) - Served immediately prior to the American Civil War, during a time of intense national division.

20th Century

The 20th century saw the Democratic Party navigating through major national crises such as the Great Depression and both World Wars, with its candidates often advocating for progressive reforms and social welfare programs.

• Woodrow Wilson (1912, 1916) - Led the nation through World War I and was a proponent of the League of Nations.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt (1932, 1936, 1940, 1944) - Created the New Deal and led the United States during most of World War II.
• Harry S. Truman (1948) - Assumed presidency after Roosevelt's death; known for the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan.
• John F. Kennedy (1960) - Promoted civil rights and space exploration before his assassination in 1963.
• Lyndon B. Johnson (1964) - Known for his Great Society programs and involvement in the Vietnam War.
• Jimmy Carter (1976) - Focused on human rights and energy crisis; later won the Nobel Peace Prize.

21st Century

In recent years, the Democratic Party has continued to promote progressive policies, including healthcare reform, environmental issues, and social justice.

• Al Gore (2000) - Vice President under Bill Clinton, focused on environmental issues.
• Barack Obama (2008, 2012) - First African American president, known for the Affordable Care Act and diplomatic initiatives.
• Hillary Clinton (2016) - Former Secretary of State and the first woman nominated by a major party for President.
• Joe Biden (2020) - Served as Vice President under Obama; his platform includes expanding healthcare and combating climate change.

See also

• United States presidential election
• Democratic National Convention
• List of United States Republican Party presidential candidates