1940 Democratic Party presidential primaries

Selection of the Democratic Party nominee May 2023 June 2025 April 2025 1940 Democratic Party presidential primaries United States 1912 primary no 1936 Democratic Party presidential primaries 1936 1944 Democratic Party presidential primaries 1944 March 12 to June 27, 1940 Delegates to the Democratic National Convention 547 delegates File:FDRoosevelt1938.jpg 00308F Franklin D. Roosevelt New York 7 3,214,555 71.93% File:John Nance Garner (3x4 cropped b).jpg 006A4F John Nance Garner Texas 0 426,700 9.55% File:James Farley, left LCCN2016890449(3x4).jpg 150x150px 8A2BE2 James Farley Massachusetts 1 76,919 1.71% File:1940DemocraticConventionRollCallFlat.svg First place finishes by convention roll call 350px Democratic nominee Franklin D. Roosevelt Franklin D. Roosevelt From March 12 to June 27, 1940, voters of the Democratic Party elected delegates to the 1940 Democratic National Convention through a series of primaries, caucuses, and conventions.https://books.google.com/books?id=9CZECwAAQBAJ&pg=PA397 Guide to U.S. Elections - Google Books 2016-02-19 9781483380353 2016-02-19 Kalb Deborah CQ Press Incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt was selected as the party's presidential nominee despite not formally declaring a campaign for a third term. Supporters effectively drafted Roosevelt, who was non-committal about seeking re-election, amid rising concerns over war in Europe.July 18, 1940 The Only Ballot The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1940/07/18/archives/the-only-ballot.html Ahead of the convention, the primary process and other means of delegate allocation had led to the New York Times to project that Roosevelt had 691.5 delegates in support of him, well above Garner's 69.5 and Farley's 38.5.https://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/22/archives/roosevelt-votes-now-number-707-delegates-pledged-or-semipledged-to.html ROOSEVELT VOTES NOW NUMBER 707; Delegates Pledged or Semi-Pledged to the President Give Him a Wide Lead GARNER STANDS SECOND Texas is the Backbone of His Support--Farley is Third-- 146 Are Uninstructed The New York Times 22 June 1940 Candidates Franklin D. Roosevelt Incumbent President Roosevelt remained sufficiently popular to seek nomination for a third term, if he desired, though he had alienated many conservative and Southern members of his party, whom he had relied on for his 1932 nomination, by attempting to purge critics of the New Deal in the 1938 elections. As foreign policy tensions mounted in Europe following the German annexation of Czechoslovakia and partition of Poland, Roosevelt was urged to run for an unprecedented third consecutive term.Smith 2007 441–43 Roosevelt encouraged speculation but remained quiet. Privately, he prepared for his post-presidency, putting the finishing touches on a presidential library and signing a contract to become a contributing editor with Collier's upon his departure from office.Smith 2007 441–43 In response to private lobbying from Senator George W. Norris, Roosevelt openly spoke of his hopes for retirement. The war in Europe had largely dragged to a halt, entering a phase now known as the "Phoney War." Amid rising hope for peace, Roosevelt returned to focusing on retirement.Smith 2007 441–43 The heir apparent to Roosevelt, should he decline to run, was Secretary of State Cordell Hull. Roosevelt encouraged his ambitions, intimating to Hull's wife at a cabinet dinner that the Secretary "had better get used to [making speeches]," because "[h]e'll have a lot of it to do soon."Smith 2007 443 However, Hull found it impermissible to campaign while actively serving as Secretary and, knowing that his nomination would depend on Roosevelt's support, remained silent pending Roosevelt's decision.Smith 2007 443 Any chance of peace in Europe was ended on April 9, 1940, when Germany invaded Denmark and Norway.Smith 2007 443 Around one month later, the Battle of France began and French forces quickly fell into retreat. Though Roosevelt never formally declared a candidacy, supporters entered his name in presidential preference contests and stood as delegates with the promise to nominate Roosevelt at the national party convention. In the Illinois primary, which required a candidate to make a sworn declaration of intent to seek the presidency, Roosevelt's name was placed on the ballot without any such declaration. Officials reasoned that he had been at sea when the deadline to declare passed.Smith 2007 447 Any doubts Roosevelt had about a third term were erased upon the Italian declaration of war on France. This, combined with isolationism among both parties in Congress, solidified his decision to accept re-nomination to a third term. When the Democratic delegates convened in July, none doubted that Roosevelt would accept their nomination.Smith 2007 457 John Nance Garner Vice President John Nance Garner, who had been one of Roosevelt's primary opponents in 1932, announced his candidacy on December 18, 1939.Smith 2007 442 His candidacy centered on opposition to the New Deal, Roosevelt personally, and the idea of a third term, but his conservatism put him on an uphill course with the rank-and-file of the party.Smith 2007 442 James Farley Postmaster General and party chairman James Farley was the second challenger to Roosevelt but far more aligned with the New Deal platform than Garner. Farley had support from professional politicians but suffered from a lack of familiarity with policy issues and lingering anti-Catholicism. Cardinal George Mundelein lobbied Farley not to run, but he forcefully declined: "I will not let myself be kicked around by Roosevelt or anyone else."Smith 2007 443 Favorite sons The following candidates were "favorite sons," who stood for nomination only in their respective home states for the purpose of controlling that state's delegation at the 1940 Democratic National Convention. Former lieutenant governor Charles W. Sawyer of Ohio Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney of Wyoming Senator Millard Tydings of Maryland Senator Burton K. Wheeler of Montana Declined The following candidates were the subject of media speculation regarding a potential candidacy or were ambitious of the presidency, but ultimately declined to run: William O. Douglas, associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and former chair of the Securities Exchange CommissionSmith 2007 443 Harry Hopkins, U.S. secretary of commerce and trusted advisor to RooseveltSmith 2007 443 Cordell Hull, U.S. secretary of stateSmith 2007 443 Robert H. Jackson, attorney general of the United StatesSmith 2007 443 Paul V. McNutt, administrator of the Federal Security Agency and former governor of IndianaSmith 2007 443 Henry A. Wallace, U.S. secretary of AgricultureSmith 2007 443 Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr., U.S. ambassador to the Court of St. JamesNOT A CANDIDATE, KENNEDY ASSERTS; Won't Permit Filing of Name for President in Primary in Massachusetts, He Says ENVOY SEES ROOSEVELT Plans for Orderly Selling of Foreign-Held Securities Among Topics Discussed, The New York Times. February 14, 1940. https://www.nytimes.com/1940/02/14/archives/not-a-candidate-kennedy-asserts-wont-permit-filing-of-name-for.html Schedule and results September 2026 Date(daily totals)Total pledgeddelegatesContestand total popular voteDelegates won and popular voteFranklin RooseveltJohn Nance GarnerJames FarleyUninstructedOtherMarch 128New Hampshire primaryhttps://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1940/03/14/92910050.html?pageNumber=18 STYLES BRIDGES BID IS SEEN ENHANCED; Ex-Senator Moses Says New Hampshire Has Best Presidential Chance in DecadesTHIRD-TERMERS VICTORSRoosevelt Men Win All Eight Delegate Places, but VoteIs Below '36 Primary's The New York Times March 14, 1940810,567Delegate Vote These vote tallies are based on the candidate for delegate that gathered the most votes, not the slate as a whole.Roosevelt NH Delegates There were eleven Pro-Roosevelt Delegates running. (50.0%)3,457Delegate Vote These vote tallies are based on the candidate for delegate that gathered the most votes, not the slate as a whole.Garner NH Delegates There was one Pro-Garner Delegate running. (16%)4,503Delegate Vote These vote tallies are based on the candidate for delegate that gathered the most votes, not the slate as a whole.Farley NH Delegates There were three Pro-Farley Delegates running. (21%)March 2710Maine conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/03/28/archives/maine-democrats-back-third-term-pledge-ten-convention-votes-to.html MAINE DEMOCRATS BACK THIRD TERM; Pledge Ten Convention Votes to Roosevelt, or to Farley If President Retires GARNER FORCES DEFEATED Instructions Given to 20 Delegates--Chairman Urges aUnited Front in Speech The New York Times March 28, 194010April 224Wisconsin primary21322,991 (75%)3105,662 (25%)April 66Arizona conventionhttps://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1940/04/07/98351984.html?pageNumber=9 BACKER OF FARLEY LOSES; Arizona Democrats Pick New National Committee Woman The New York Times April 7, 19406April 76Puerto Rico convention6April 9(64)50 (of 58)Illinois primary501,176,531 (86.0%)190,081 (13.9%)35 (0.0%)14Nebraska primary14111,902 (100.0%)April 158 (of 94)New York conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/16/archives/state-democrats-reelect-farley-resolution-implies-backing-of.html STATE DEMOCRATS RE-ELECT FARLEY; Resolution Implies Backing of Presidential Candidacy if Roosevelt Declines CHIEF EXECUTIVE LAUDED Lehman Also Praised for His Administration--Delegates to Convention Named The New York Times April 16, 19408April 2372Pennsylvania primary72724,657 (100%)April 2524Georgia state committeehttps://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1940/04/26/98353652.html?pageNumber=19 NEW DEALERS KEEP GEORGIA IN THE BAG; Garner-George Forces Barred in 'Hand Picked' Delegation Selected for Chicago ROOSEVELT ASKED TO RUN State Committee Shunts Aside Petition of 25,000 to Put Up Slates in a Primary The New York Times April 26, 19408April 266Hawaii conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/27/archives/hawaiians-back-third-term.html Hawaiians Back Third Term The New York Times April 27, 19406April 3034Massachusetts primaryhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/02/archives/minor-upsets-mark-massachusetts-vote-farley-slate-loses-few-places.html MINOR UPSETS MARK MASSACHUSETTS VOTE; Farley Slate Loses Few Places --Republicans Unpledged The New York Times May 1, 19400.532.5The Massachusetts delegate slate was filed by party chairman William H. Burke Jr. as pledged to Farley with a caveat that if Roosevelt openly declared himself a candidate, the delegates were free to abandon their pledge to Farley in favor of Roosevelt.More About the Primary in Massachusetts This 'assumption,' telegraphed by the State Chairman to the State-wide candidates for delegates he himself had chosen, was that, if elected, they and Mr. Farley will support the President for renomination if in the meantime Mr. Roosevelt decides he wants them to. In other words, the "Farley" delegates offer themselves to the voters on a pledge that the President will have a first mortgage on them up to adjourning time of the national convention and Mr. Farley only a second lien. So the situation will stand on primary day unless previously repudiated by the President, Mr. Farley or the delegates themselves. http://nytimes.com/1940/02/15/archives/in-the-nation-more-about-the-primary-in-massachusetts.html February 15, 1940 September 21, 2026 The New York Times Ultimately, Roosevelt did enter the race, and the Massachusetts delegation voted for him at the convention.76,919Massachusetts Vote A breakdown of the delegate vote wasn't provided. (100.0%)1May 58South Dakota primary827,636 (100%)May 7(66)22Alabama primary22196,508 The uninstructed delegates elected by the Alabama primary later supported favorite son William B. Bankhead. (100%)44California primary44723,782 (74%)114,594 (12%)139,05590,718 votes for Willis Allen and 48,337 votes for Ellis E. Patterson. (14%)May 1122Oklahoma conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/12/archives/oklahoma-for-3d-term-vote-of-counties-indicates-delegation-for.html OKLAHOMA FOR 3D TERM; Vote of Counties Indicates Delegation for Roosevelt The New York Times May 12, 194022May 1222Iowa conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/12/archives/iowa-democrats-back-third-term-wallace-is-the-favorite-son-choice.html IOWA DEMOCRATS BACK THIRD TERM; Wallace Is the 'Favorite Son' Choice for Nomination if Roosevelt Does Not Run SECRETARY IS KEYNOTER He Denounces Republicans as 'Double Dealers' and Dewey as Leader in Practice The New York Times May 13, 194022May 1316North Dakota convention16May 14(68)52Ohio primary52283,952The uninstructed delegates later supported favorite son Charles W. Sawyer. (100%)16West Virginia primaryhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/15/archives/burton-is-trailing-in-ohios-primary-but-d-a-white-ahead-as-rural.html BURTON IS TRAILING IN OHIO'S PRIMARY; But D. A. White Ahead as Rural Vote Mounts in Republican Contest for Senator DAVEY IS AGAIN NOMINEE Neely Ahead in West Virginia Party Race for Governor-- Senator Holt Trails The New York Times May 15, 194016102,729H. C. Allen ran as a stalking horse for Roosevelt. (100%)May 17(36)10Oregon primaryhttps://records.sos.state.or.us/ORSOSWebDrawer/RecordView/8410999 Abstract of Votes-Democratic Party-Primary Election, May 17, 1940-Canvassed June 17, 1940 Oregon Secretary of State 194010109,913 (87%)15,584 (12%)601 (0.5%)26North Carolina conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/18/archives/north-carolina-gives-26-votes-to-president-republicans-in-tennessee.html NORTH CAROLINA GIVES 26 VOTES TO PRESIDENT; Republicans in Tennessee Unit Back Dewey for Nomination The New York Times May 18, 194026May 206Delaware conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/21/archives/delaware-party-backs-3d-term.html Delaware Party Backs 3d Term The New York Times May 21, 19406May 2132New Jersey primaryhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/22/archives/hendrickson-leads-in-jersey-primary-willkie-gets-surprise-writein.html HENDRICKSON LEADS IN JERSEY PRIMARY; Willkie Gets Surprise Write-In Vote Against Dewey in Presidential Contest The New York Times May 22, 19403234,278 (99.5%)59 (0.2%)111 (0.3%)May 2216Maryland conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/23/archives/16-votes-for-tydings-but-maryland-delegates-will-be-freed-if.html 16 VOTES FOR TYDINGS; But Maryland Delegates Will Be Freed if Roosevelt Runs The New York Times May 23, 194016All 16 delegates were pledged to support favorite son Millard Tydings.May 236Vermont conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/24/archives/majority-in-convention-obtained-by-roosevelt.html Majority in Convention Obtained by Roosevelt The New York Times May 24, 19406June 416Connecticut conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/05/archives/connecticuts-16-go-to-roosevelt-state-democratic-convention-pledges.html CONNECTICUT'S 16 GO TO ROOSEVELT; State Democratic Convention Pledges Its Votes and Puts Unit Rule on Delegates FORTY-EIGHT ARE CHOSEN Maloney Is Renominated for Senate--Achievements of the New Deal Hailed The New York Times June 5, 194016June 520Louisiana state committeehttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/06/archives/bar-roosevelt-support-louisiana-democrats-refuse-to-hear-plea-for.html BAR ROOSEVELT SUPPORT; Louisiana Democrats Refuse to Hear Plea for Candidacy The New York Times June 6, 194020Although the twenty delegates were initially unpledged, they supported favorite son O. John Rogge.June 1018Kansas conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/11/archives/kansas-slate-for-third-term.html Kansas Slate for Third Term The New York Times June 11, 194018June 1118Mississippi conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/06/archives/harrison-now-says-a-3d-term-is-vital-asserts-world-crisis-demands.html HARRISON NOW SAYS A 3D TERM IS VITAL; Asserts World Crisis Demands Re-election of President as One Versed in Affairs LAUDS CONDUCT AT HELM Senator Urges Mississippians to Back Roosevelt at Democratic Convention Tuesday The New York Times June 5, 1940September 2026June 1422Virginia state committeehttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/15/archives/virginians-back-allies-democratic-state-convention-asks-full-help.html VIRGINIANS BACK ALLIES; Democratic State Convention Asks Full Help for Them The New York Times June 15, 194020June 1538Michigan conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/16/archives/michigan-for-roosevelt-democratic-convention-urges-him-to-accept.html MICHIGAN FOR ROOSEVELT; Democratic Convention Urges Him to Accept Third Term The New York Times June 16, 194038June 16(28)12Nevada conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/17/archives/nevada-delegates-unpledged.html Nevada Delegates Unpledged The New York Times June 17, 19401216Washington conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/17/archives/delegation-for-3d-term-washington-democrats-pledge-unit-vote-for.html DELEGATION FOR 3D TERM; Washington Democrats Pledge Unit Vote for Roosevelt The New York Times June 17, 194016June 1818Arkansas state committeehttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/19/archives/arkansans-vote-third-term.html Arkansans Vote Third Term The New York Times June 19, 194018June 228 (of 58)Illinois conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/23/archives/illinois-for-roosevelt-state-democrats-back-foreign-policy-ask.html ILLINOIS FOR ROOSEVELT; State Democrats Back Foreign Policy, Ask Defense 'Billions' The New York Times June 23, 19408June 2728Indiana conventionhttps://www.nytimes.com/1940/06/28/archives/3d-term-backed-by-indiana-party-democrats-renominate-senator-minton.html 3D TERM BACKED BY INDIANA PARTY; Democrats Renominate Senator Minton, Name Schrickerfor the GovernorshipP.V. M'NUTT IS KEYNOTERHe Urges We Stay Out of War --Van Nuys Is Left Off theNational Delegation The New York Times June 28, 194028 See also Republican Party presidential primaries, 1940 White primary Notes References Further reading Smith Jean Edward 2007 FDR Random House 978-1-4000-6121-1 https://archive.org/details/fdr00smit registration