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Election / Transition

Franklin D. Roosevelt wins third term, defeating Wendell Willkie

Incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt was re-elected on November 5, 1940, defeating Republican challenger Wendell Willkie to become the first U.S. president elected to a third term.

Roosevelt's third-term victory broke the two-term precedent, affirmed popular support for his leadership on domestic recovery and looming international crises, and reshaped expectations about presidential tenure until the 22nd Amendment.

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