Answer overview
Ulysses S. Grant ran for president two times. He was elected in 1868 and reelected in 1872, serving two full terms from 1869 to 1877. Although he briefly sought a third term in 1880, he did not receive the Republican nomination. This overview covers his two successful presidential campaigns, key contexts, and commonly asked follow-ups about his electoral history.
Grant’s first presidential campaign (1868)
In 1868, Grant entered the election as the Republican nominee, emerging from the Civil War as a Union hero. His campaign emphasized continuing Reconstruction and preserving the Union. He faced Democratic nominee Horatio Seymour, advocating a more limited federal role and quicker reconciliation with the South. Grant won with 300,000+ popular votes and a decisive Electoral College margin, reflecting national support for wartime leadership and stability during Reconstruction.
Context of the 1868 election
1868 marked the first presidential election after the Civil War and the readmission process for former Confederate states. Reconstruction policies, civil rights for freedmen, and the status of the defeated South dominated debate. Grant’s victory enabled Radical Republican approaches to Reconstruction, though opposition and violence persisted in the South.
Grant’s second presidential campaign (1872)
Grant ran for reelection in 1872 against Horace Greeley, a coalition candidate supported by Liberal Republicans and Democrats. The 1872 campaign focused on civil service reform, corruption, and reconciliation. Grant won by a wider margin than in 1868, reflecting voter confidence despite emerging scandals and economic tensions. His second term would be defined by financial crises, including the Panic of 1873, and political turmoil.
Key moments in the 1872 election
- The Liberal Republican convention nominated Greeley, uniting reformers and Democrats.
- Grant’s supporters highlighted preservation of the Union and enforcement of civil rights.
- Grant won a second term amid policy debates over Reconstruction and federal power.
Declined opportunities and later interest in 1880
After leaving the presidency in 1877, Grant did not run again in 1880. That year, he sought the Republican nomination but lost to James A. Garfield. No third-term campaigns followed, and he retired from active electoral politics. His post-presidential activities included world tours and efforts to secure his financial legacy.
Historical assessments and legacy in elections
Grant is often evaluated for military leadership, Reconstruction efforts, and struggles against corruption. His campaigns reflected national debates over federal authority, civil rights, and economic policy. Historians continue to reassess his presidency in the context of racial equality, executive power, and institutional challenges in the post–Civil War era.
Quick reference: Grant’s presidential elections
| Year | Status | Party | Main opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1868 | Elected | Republican | Horatio Seymour (D) | Won with 300,000+ popular vote margin; 214 electoral votes |
| 1872 | Reelected | Republican | Horace Greeley (LibRep/Dem) | Won by wide margin; 286 electoral votes |
| 1880 | Sought nomination, unsuccess | Republican | — | Failed to secure nomination; James A. Garfield won presidency |
Key takeaways
- Grant ran for president twice and won both elections (1868, 1872).
- He served two full terms from 1869 to 1877.
- He sought the nomination in 1960 but was not successful and did not run again.
- His campaigns focused on Reconstruction, civil rights, federal authority, and postwar recovery.
Follow-up questions people often ask
- Did Grant run for a third term? No. He sought the Republican nomination in 1880 but was not chosen.
- Who did Grant defeat in the 1868 and 1872 elections? In 1868, he defeated Horatio Seymour. In 1872, he defeated Horace Greeley.
- Were there any third-party candidacies in those years? The 1872 election included the Liberal Republican and Democratic coalition behind Greeley; no major third-party effort changed outcomes.
- How does Grant’s electoral history compare to other presidents? Grant is one of several two-term presidents from the 19th century, often compared on leadership during war and peace.
Conclusion
Ulysses S. Grant ran for president two times, winning both in 1868 and 1872. He did not run again after leaving office, though he sought the nomination in 1880 without success. His campaigns shaped Reconstruction and influenced debates on civil rights, federal power, and economic recovery that still echo in historical evaluations of his presidency.